For Sydney-based cinephiles, there's no time of year quite like Sydney Film Festival. This year, just as Cannes concludes, it returns for its 73rd edition, taking place from Wednesday, June 3 to Sunday, June 14. This year's program is built on 248 films sourced from 81 countries, so with such an abundance of choice, you're likely to find more than enough to keep you busy for the festival's duration. With a program this big, we may as well start with the biggest moments. Opening the festival during the Opening Night Gala on June 3 will be the Australian premiere of Silenced, a documentary from Selina Miles that follows human rights lawyer Jennifer Robinson fighting against the weaponisation of defamation law to be used against survivors and journalists. This year's Sydney Film Prize competition will see a number of major entries vying for the $60,000 prize. Including but not limited to the postwar Germany set, Sandra Hüller (Project Hail Mary)- starring Fatherland, a taut and provocative thriller set in the tinderbox of 2022 Russia in Minotaur, the Léa Seydoux (No Time to Die)-starring Gentle Monster, a thought-provoking drama set around parenting styles starring Sebastian Stan (The Apprentice) and Renate Reinsve (Backrooms) in Fjord, and the Australian-made queer romance horror Leviticus. Other films running in the competition include the emotional story of reconciliation in the wake of the Rwandan Genocide, Ben'Imana, a near-future drama where grieving parents turn to AI to rebuild their family, Sheep in the Box, a comedic dinner-party turned sexual awakening in Olivia Wilde's The Invite, an intoxicating mission set in the lawless Bulgarian borderlands in The Dreamed Adventure and No Good Men, a political rom-com examining sexism and relationships in Afghanistan before the 2021 Taliban takeover. Beyond the competition, a number of major stars, both local and international, feature in the festival lineup. There's Hugh Jackman's part as a dying outlaw king alongside Jodie Comer in the gritty historical fiction The Death of Robin Hood, there's also the true story of a dramatic 1977 hostage situation between a disgruntled developer (Bill Skarsgård) and an insurance executive (Dacre Montgomery) in Dead Man's Wire. There's also a 1980s NYC-set queer love story starring Rami Malek in The Man I Love; a chronicle of Vladimir Putin's rise to power starring Jude Law and Paul Dano in The Wizard of the Kremlin; Pressure, starring Andrew Scott as a meteorologist who must help decide to launch the D-Day invasion, a satire of privilege starring Elle Fanning, Callum Turner and Riley Keough in Rosebush Pruning and a one-of-a-kind psychosexual horror remake starring Hannah Einbinder and Gillian Anderson, Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma. The Documentary Australia Award also returns with a lineup of true stories sourced from around the world. That includes the cross-country adventure of a lifetime for four young Queensland bull riders in Rodeo Dreams, an eight-year profile of a piano doctor in The Piano Tuner, the story of a six-day, tight-budget mockbuster action film production in suburban Adelaide in Mockbuster, the world's greatest whistling competition in Whistle, and an Indigenous PNG community's fight against a project that would pollute the river they depend on in Sukundimi Walks Before Me. Other documentaries outside of the program include an award-winning look into a friendship between an ageing Macedonian farmer and a stork in The Tale of Silyan, an equally hopeful and disturbing look into the wild frontier of AI, starring those who create it and those who caution against it in The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptomist; a portrait of two Indigenous Mexican mycologists preserving ancient knowledge alongside modern science in Daughters of the Forest; an award-winning documentary on polar bears in Manitoba in Nuisance Bear; a love story between a Lebanese journalist and Syrian camerman told across 13 years in Birds of War and many, many more. Miniaturised programs return, bringing lineups of new and restored films organised around themes like fashion, art, music, sustainability, disability, European female and genderqueer filmmakers, indigenous films, family films, the strange and scary and more — including a program of Brazilian films curated by the Oscar-nominated director Kleber Mendonça Filho (The Secret Agent) and a retrospective on the pioneering work of the late great Barbara Hammer. As for the theme that unites them all? As Festival Director Nashen Moodley puts it, "We want to invite you to join us at SFF this year, where each moment offers an opportunity for discovery and empathy. Art and cinema help us make sense of the world, take us into the lives of people far away from us, and remind us to remain vigilant about our own rights and freedoms. And we can't forget, they're also an enormous source of joy." We could go on and on. As mentioned, there are hundreds of films to choose from and only twelve days to see them all. So don't wait any longer, open up your calendar and book tickets or a flexipass to catch as many films as humanly possible — 'tis the season. Visit the Sydney Film Festival website for more information or to get tickets. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox.
Sydney's lower north shore is home to a new Korean joint slinging top-notch barbecue in neon-lit surrounds. K-Town Korean BBQ House opened in early 2020 and has fast become a go-to for locals. Come here for two things: barbecued meats and the fried chicken. The former includes an entire selection of premium wagyu cuts, including prime rib with a nine marble score ($49). Then, there's rib eye, scotch fillet, oyster blade and short rib. Other grilling options include spicy pork belly, sweet soy chicken thigh, mushrooms and zucchini. To try a bit of everything, grab a mixed platter for two-to-four mates ($62–99), which includes all different meats, plus scallops and haloumi. Alongside the grilled meats is K-Town's OG fried chicken, which comes bone-in or boneless and in soy garlic, creamy cheese, sweet and sour and extra hot varieties ($22–42). And yes, there are heaps of soju to accompany your dinner. The barbecued eats are served in a modern setting with pink neon lighting, exposed brick walls and strong party vibes — plan to get a group together and get stuck in.
In Stay of the Week, we explore some of the world's best and most unique accommodations — giving you a little inspiration for your next trip. In this instalment, we take you inside the Berry View Hotel. This utterly charming boutique hotel is brimming with winning mid-Century design detail and takes inspiration from 1950s drive-in motels and Palm Springs bungalows. Located in Berry on the south coast of New South Wales, it's the perfect spot for a smug weekend away — and right now when you book your stay here you'll get an exclusive rate and a bottle of wine to start your stay with a toast. Cheers to that. WHAT'S SO SPECIAL? This hotel has been lovingly designed with the principles and aesthetic of Mid-Century Modern design at every element. The impeccably tasteful, minimalist decor and fresh white and pumpkin exterior make this little pocket of Berry feel as thought it's time travelled to the swinging Sixties. THE ROOMS Calming, cool and curated are the vibe of the rooms, each of which has its own individual styling. The devil is in the design detail — a beautiful vase, bespoke light fitting or a velour single-seater sofa add personality to each of the bedrooms, which come in bedding configurations for couples on a romantic weekend away or a family-friendly setup with a queen bed and a bunk. The bathrooms feature full sized bathing products by O&M so there's zero need to bring your own. Each room also comes with Nespresso coffee machine and pods for your caffeine requirements before you venture out to enjoy the best of Berry's charming town centre which is a short stroll from the hotel. FOOD AND DRINK Rooms at the Berry View include all your critical amenities like a kettle and the aforementioned coffee machine, tea, coffee and milk. But when you're in Berry you need to get out and experience the local talent. The historic Berry Hotel has great regional pub energy. Milkwood Bakery does superb woodfired sourdough, great coffee and a banger apple tart for the dessert-inclined. And there's the famous Berry Donut Van is responsible for what might be a serious contender for best cinnamon donut in the country. For a more luxurious and lengthy lunch or dinner option, SOUTH on Albany and Queen Street Eatery are both great options combining impressive food with laidback vibes and stellar service. THE EXTRAS When you book here through CP Trips, the lovely crew at the Berry View Hotel will welcome you with a complimentary bottle of shiraz or prosecco to celebrate your good fortune. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
The inner western suburb of Glebe has a new(ish) player in the pub game thanks to the relaunch of the Australian Youth Hotel. After seven months of renovations, the 157-year-old pub has reopened with a new look and a new name: The Glebe Hotel. The Bay Street venue now has a new British pub menu, a lush courtyard and a luxe private space. And, thanks to it's new moniker, it'll no longer be confused for hostel housing weary globe-trotting teens. The Victorian terrace digs date back to 1862 and the massive refurb spans interior and exterior works. Sydney design firm Alexander & Co (The Imperial, Bon Pavilion, The Morrison) is behind the fit-out, which features several distinct spaces — starting with the public bar, which nods to the pub's history with chesterfield sofas, a fireplace and archival photos of the space. Upstairs, inside the venue's former brothel, is an ornate private function space with chandeliers, baroque sofas, vintage art and a snooker table. Move along and you'll find The Stables Bar & Grill, a bright and airy restaurant with exposed brick walls, cream timber tables and vintage tiling, plus a featured jacaranda mural by Sydney artist Indigo Jo. Just outside The Stables is a dog-friendly courtyard with bright yellow furnishings, red-and-white umbrellas and lush surrounds — including a 100-year-old fig tree. British chef Ben Allcock is in the kitchen preparing UK-style pub eats, such as steak and Guinness pie, chargrilled spatchcock and Sunday roasts. House specialties include the handmade gnocchi with roast butternut pumpkin and goat's curd, Berkshire pork chop served atop caramelised fennel and slow-cooked lamb shoulder ragu pappardelle. From the bar, expect a mix of local craft and mainstream brews on tap, along with a four-strong spritz menu — including the Bombay, with elderflower and cucumber, and the Strawberry, a mix of Poor Toms strawberry gin, wild strawberry liqueur and prosecco. Though the revamp has a big hospitality group written all over it, we're happy to report that The Glebe Hotel remains family owned by the Nissen brothers. Images: Guy Davies.
Brisbane has been laid bare. In one of the most-ambitious installations in a career filled with them, acclaimed New York artist Spencer Tunick has turned the River City's famed Story Bridge into the site of his latest mass nude photography work. Called RISING TIDE, the piece is a follow-up to his 2023 work TIDE. While the latter featured around 150 people posing naked by the Brisbane River, the former enlisted a cast of 5500 on one of the Queensland capital's landmarks. Tunick keeps using the River City for inspiration to celebrate diversity, equity and inclusion, with his latest instance literally stopping traffic. Indeed, it isn't just cars that've now brought Brisbane's Story Bridge to a standstill in 2024. On Sunday, October 27, the famed river crossing closed to vehicles from 1–9am to become the site of Tunick's newest nude photography work instead. In behind-the-scenes images from the shoot, the river crossing packs its expanse with unclothed participants — sometimes reclining on their backs, sometimes on their sides with their arms to the sky. Although the Story Bridge has shut for roadworks and even a market before, there's never been anything like this in the structure's 84-year history. Because taking over one iconic Brissie spot wasn't enough, RISING TIDE also incorporated the Brisbane Riverwalk. Both TIDE and RISING TIDE come courtesy of Brisbane's annual LGBTQIA+ arts and culture festival Melt — and attendees can see the images from TIDE at 2024's fest at Brisbane Powerhouse until Sunday, November 10. That exhibition marks the first time that Tunick has put his work on display for the public, as well as his first-ever Australian showcase, with both milestones coming after 30 years and 100-plus installations spent making his style of art. There's no word yet if the Story Bridge images will get the same treatment, but folks who took part in RISING TIDE will receive a print of the final artwork. "This work on Brisbane's Story Bridge and locations around it has been my most inclusive installation to date. Five-and-a-half thousand people is my largest Australian work so far and this one is very special because it celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community and allies," said Tunick about RISING TIDE. "Photographing all the participants on the bridge was like looking down the mouth of a whale, filled with love and diversity." "I wanted to be a part of something bigger. I've gone through illnesses, and you just get to a point where so many people have seen your bits over the years that you just go 'why not?'. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," noted one of the participants. "It's really nice to see so many different body types — shapes, sizes and age groups. I came alone so it's pretty fun to see that so many other people have braved it as well," added another. "It's a sense of unity that you don't often get. It's just an incredible opportunity for people to come together, to celebrate each other and to celebrate art," advised a third. Over the past three decades, Tunick's installations have seen him hit the Whitsundays with almost 100 naked Aussies in 2019 and briefly turn Bondi into a nude beach in 2022. The artist initially turned his lens Australia's way in 2001 in Melbourne, when 4500 naked volunteers posed for a pic near Federation Square as part of the 2001 Fringe Festival. Since then, he's also photographed around 5000 nude people in front of the Sydney Opera House during the 2010 Mardi Gras, then returned to Victoria in 2018 shoot over 800 Melburnians in the rooftop carpark of a Prahran Woolworths. Elsewhere, Tunick has photographed the public painted red and gold outside Munich's Bavarian State Opera, covered in veils in the Nevada desert and covered in blue in Hull in the UK. Spencer Tunick's 'RISING TIDE' installation took place on Sunday, October 27, 2024 on Brisbane's Story Bridge during Melt Festival. For more information about the fest, head to the event's website. Images: Markus Ravik.
All eyes in the local aviation industry are looking out west, because the brand new Western Sydney International Airport is getting ready to open its tarmac and terminals, a moment that will change the flow of people and goods in Sydney forever. One particular change is coming up ahead of the airport's scheduled opening, with Sydney's airspace changing from Thursday, July 9. To accommodate the influx of air traffic in the west, Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport flights will take a new route when departing from the north-south runway. Additionally, brand new flight paths are being instated over Greater Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains ahead of Western Sydney International Airport's scheduled start dates for cargo and passenger flights in late July and October, respectively. Going forward, eastbound flights from Sydney Kingsford-Smith Airport (SYD) that depart from the north-south runway will take a new western arc. That will see an increase in passenger aircraft flying over Dulwich Hill, Ashfield, Burwood and Auburn before arcing over Seven Hills and Kings Park towards Hornsby and the Northern Beaches. [caption id="attachment_1082387" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] A general view of the passenger terminal under final construction at Western Sydney International Airport — Photo by James D. Morgan/Getty Images)[/caption] Additionally, western routes using SYD's east-west runway will turn above Belmore before continuing west. Pairing that with the new paths for Western Sydney International Airport (WSI), and suburbs in the Canterbury-Bankstown and Wollondilly Shire areas will be in a high-traffic area for flights, with up to 100 flights per day possible in the latter, according to the Sydney Morning Herald. SYD has long operated with a strict curfew to reduce noise, restricting flights between 11pm and 6am. WSI is not following suit, committing to 24-hour operations instead. But according to NSW Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Catherine King, WSI will utilise reciprocal runway operations (flights taking off and landing on one runway) between 11pm and 5.30am to reduce noise whenever possible. Additionally, a five-year noise-monitoring period will give Western Sydney residents time to adjust and provide feedback. Addressing the changes, Catherine King said, "We've worked to get the balance right, ensuring Sydney's airports can operate efficiently, while taking nearby residents' concerns about noise seriously and incorporating their feedback into our plans. "These paths are not physical infrastructure, so our conversations with community and the airports about how they can adapt into the future can be ongoing. Our new airspace advisory board will monitor and respond to aircraft noise and flight path issues during the early years of the airport's operations." You can view the proposed flight paths for WSI online here, as well as live noise monitoring levels and aircraft positions across Sydney here.
In 2017, when Warwick Thornton's Sweet Country first reached cinema screens, the blistering Indigenous Australian western won awards in Venice, Toronto, Luxembourg and our own backyard. It's a sublimely shot and performed work of art that powerfully interrogates Australia's past and draws parallels with the country's present, so that's not surprising — and it joined a long list of acclaimed work by Indigenous Australian filmmakers. Thornton himself is no stranger to the spotlight, with his debut Samson & Delilah winning the Camera d'Or at Cannes in 2009. Sixteen years earlier, Australian artist Tracey Moffatt premiered BeDevil at the prestigious international festival, too, with her feature marking the first ever directed by an Australian Aboriginal woman. From Ivan Sen's Mystery Road and Goldstone to Rachel Perkins' Bran Nue Dae and Jasper Jones, the list of exceptional films by Indigenous Aussie directors goes on. Showcasing the breadth and depth of the nation's filmmaking talent — and, crucially, showcasing Indigenous Australian stories — they demonstrate Aussie cinema at its best. And if you're wondering where to start, here are 25 movies that you can stream right now. Mystery Road, Goldstone, Toomelah and Limbo When Ivan Sen and Aaron Pedersen (High Ground) teamed up for 2013 film Mystery Road, they gave Australia the ongoing gift of outback noir. Sen's writing and directing was so finessed, Pedersen's performance as Indigenous Australian police officer Jay Swan so riveting and the movie's entire concept so engaging that it's no wonder everyone wanted more. So, another followed. Across fellow big-screen effort Goldstone, Swan went to a different remote corner of the country, tried to solve a different case and became immersed in a different set of small-town politics. In both films, the franchise lays bare the state of Australia today, especially when it comes to the nation's treatment of its First Nations peoples. And if you're instantly hooked, it has also spawned its own two-season TV series also starring Pedersen — plus an exceptional prequel series as well. Also worth seeking out: Sen's 2011 drama Toomelah, as set in the titular New South Wales town, with ten-year-old Daniel (Daniel Connors, who is also in Mystery Road) at its centre. And, in 2023, Sen brought Limbo to cinemas, this time starring Simon Baker (Boy Swallows Universe) in a black-and-white Coober Pedy-shot tale about another police officer riding into a small Aussie town, and looking into a case that few people have been all that fussed about until now because the victim isn't white. Mystery Road streams via ABC iView, YouTube Movies and iTunes. Read our full review. Goldstone streams via ABC iView, Netflix, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review, and our interview with Ivan Sen and Aaron Pedersen. Toomelah streams via Netflix. Limbo streams via ABC iView, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review, and our interview with Ivan Sen and Simon Baker. Samson & Delilah, Sweet Country and The New Boy Before Warwick Thornton turned his camera on himself in the personal and reflective TV documentary The Beach — which is the best piece of Australian television that hit screens in 2020 — he directed two of the great Aussie films of the 21st century. And, since then, he's also added another, The first: a love story, a tale of fighting to survive and an unflinching look at teenage life in Australia's red centre, aka 2009's equally heartwrenching and stunning Samson & Delilah. Indeed, it's little wonder the multi-award-winning movie firmly put Thornton on the international map. With Sweet Country, he then returned to the Northern Territory with a film that makes a firm statement, as becomes clear when an Indigenous stockman (Hamilton Morris) kills a white station owner in self-defence. He's forced to flee with his wife Lizzie (Natassia Gorey-Furber), but a local posse is soon on their trail. As Sweet Country decisively confronts this all-too-real situation, it also confronts the country's history of racial prejudice. In 2023's The New Boy, Thornton headed to a remote monastery with a mission for Indigenous children, where Sister Eileen (Cate Blanchett, Tár) is in charge. Her faith is tested when the titular child (newcomer Aswan Reid), a nine-year-old orphan, arrives and has his own experience with religion, which clashes with the mission's take on Christianity. Samson and Delilah streams via SBS On Demand, Stan, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Sweet Country streams via ABC iView, Netflix, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review. The New Boy streams via SBS On Demand, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review, and our interview with Warwick Thornton. BeDevil One of Australia's most astonishing films — and yet one of the country's lesser-celebrated gems — Tracey Moffatt's BeDevil took the Queensland visual artist, photographer and filmmaker to Cannes and back. That external validation is all well and good; however it's really just the cherry on top of a potent triptych of haunting tales that demands attention on its own merits. In not only her first and only feature, but the first feature by an Australian Aboriginal woman, Moffatt takes inspiration from ghost stories told to her as a child by both her Aboriginal and Irish relatives. A thoroughly distinctive and immersive horror movie is the end result, and one that smartly and engagingly explores Australian race relations in a disarmingly unique way. Surreal, eerie and simmering with intensity, it'll also show you the Aussie landscape in a whole new light. BeDevil streams via SBS On Demand and Vimeo. Sweet As In Sweet As, the red earth of Western Australia's Pilbara region couldn't be more pivotal. For this coming-of-age drama, Jub Clerc (The Heights) deploys the patch of Aussie soil as a place where teenagers find themselves. The first-time feature director and writer draws upon her own adolescent experiences for her full-length debut, while also crafting the first WA flick that's helmed and penned by an Indigenous female filmmaker. Murra (Shantae Barnes-Cowan, Firebite) is one of Sweet As' adolescents learning to be shutterbugs; with her mother (Ngaire Pigram, also a Firebite alum) grappling with addiction, the 16-year-old's police-officer uncle Ian (Mark Coles Smith, Mystery Road: Origin) enrols her on a trip that she doesn't initially want to take — with youth workers Mitch (Tasma Walton, Scrublands) and Fernando (Carlos Sanson Jr, Bump) as guides and chaperones, plus Kylie (newcomer Mikayla Levy), Elvis (Pedrea Jackson, Robbie Hood) and Sean (fellow first-timer Andrew Wallace) as her new friends. Sweet As is available to stream via SBS On Demand, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review. The Drover's Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson A searing and impassioned take on a well-known Australian tale — a First Nations, feminist and anti-colonial version, too — The Drover's Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson is the film that Leah Purcell (High Country) had to make. See: her lengthy history with Henry Lawson's short story of almost the same name. In 2016, she adapted The Drover's Wife for the stage. In 2019, she moved it back to the page. Now, she's brought it to the screen — and the end result is a must-see. Only minutes in, in what marks the actor-turned-director's feature filmmaking debut, it's easy to see why Purcell keeps being drawn to retell this 19th century-set story. In her hands, it's a story of anger, power, prejudice and revenge, and also a portrait of a history that's treated both women and Indigenous Australians abhorrently. And, ever the powerhouse, she writes, helms and stars. The Drover's Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson streams via SBS On Demand, Stan, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review. The Moogai First, The Moogai was a SXSW Midnight Shorts Grand Jury Award-winning short. Then, writer/director Jon Bell and his stars Shari Sebbens (The Office) and Meyne Wyatt (Strife) returned to turn this tale of Australia's past haunting its present on- and off-screen into a feature. This is an Aussie horror film born out of the Stolen Generations where the monsters of colonisation, White Australia policies and attitudes since remain inescapable, and where Indigenous children today are also snatched away by a literal monster — and it's a brilliant idea, as well as one that instantly feels as if it needed to have been made decades back. The Moogai begins on the Red River Aborigines Mission in 1969, where two sisters (debutants Aisha Alma May and Precious Ann) attempt to avoid being separated from their family by white men, only for one to be spirited away instead by the picture's namesake. When it jumps to half a century later, the film spends its time with Indigenous couple Sarah (Sebbens) and Fergus (Wyatt) as they prepare for the arrival of their second child, but find themselves dealing with malevolent forces. The Moogai via Netflix and YouTube Movies. Read our interview with Shari Sebbens, Meyne Wyatt and Jon Bell. Bran Nue Dae, Jasper Jones and Radiance When Rachel Perkins brought hit Aussie musical Bran Nue Dae to the big screen in 2010, she turned an already beloved stage musical into one of the country's cinema box office successes. The lively love story takes a road trip through 60s-era Australia, and brings plenty of famous faces along for the ride, with Jessica Mauboy (The Secret Daughter), Ernie Dingo (Squinters) and Deborah Mailman (Total Control) among the cast. Then, in 2017, she adapted another Aussie classic. This time, she set her sights on Craig Silvey's novel Jasper Jones, which examines race relations in a rural Australian town — particularly the treatment of the teenage titular character (Aaron L McGrath, Gold Diggers), who is considered an outcast due to his ethnicity. The book was already intelligent, thoughtful and engaging, and the film proves the same. Similarly worth watching is Perkins' moving 1998 filmmaking debut, Radiance, about three sisters (Wentworth's Rachael Maza, Deborah Mailman again and The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart's Trisha Morton-Thomas) working through their baggage after their mother's death. Bran Nue Dae streams via SBS On Demand, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Jasper Jones streams via YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review. Radiance streams via ACMI Cinema 3. The Sapphires, Top End Wedding and Firestarter — The Story of Bangarra An actor and a filmmaker, Wayne Blair boasts an eclectic resume. You've seen him on-screen in Wish You Were Here, The Turning, Emu Runner, Seriously Red and The New Boy, and he both directed and featured in episodes of Redfern Now and the second season of the Mystery Road TV series. Behind the lens, he's also helmed episodes of Lockie Leonard, and directed the 2017 US TV remake of Dirty Dancing. But, Blair is probably best known for The Sapphires and Top End Wedding. They're both big films — and Blair has a definite feel for feel-good material. One follows a group of four Indigenous Australian female singers (Deborah Mailman, Jessica Mauboy, Preppers' Shari Sebbens and The Artful Dodger's Miranda Tapsell) sent to Vietnam to entertain the troops. As for the other, it tracks an Indigenous Australian woman's (Tapsell again) whirlwind quest to stage her perfect nuptials in her hometown of Darwin. Also on Blair's resume: documentary Firestarter — The Story of Bangarra, about Australia's acclaimed Indigenous dance theatre. Co-directed with Nel Minchin (Matilda & Me, Making Muriel), it's a powerful portrait that also steps through the nation's past and focuses on three siblings — Stephen, David and Russell Page — with dreams as big as their talents. The Sapphires streams via Prime Video. Top End Wedding streams via ABC iView, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review. Firestarter — The Story of Bangarra streams via ABC iView, SBS On Demand, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review. Here I Am Marking not one but two feature debuts — for writer/director Beck Cole (Deadloch) and star Shai Pittman (Around the Block) — Here I Am tells one of the oldest tales there is. It's also a prime of example of taking a familiar narrative and giving it a new voice; viewers have seen this story before in various guises over decades and decades, but never championing Indigenous women. When Karen (Pittman) is released from prison in South Australia, she embarks upon a quest for redemption, including reconnecting with her unimpressed mother Lois (Marcia Langton) and her young daughter Rosie (Quinaiha Scott). Unsurprisingly, that reunion doesn't go smoothly, but both Cole and Pittman are committed to riding the ups and downs. Both hit the big-screen for the first time in a striking fashion, and with a film that proves both intimate and clear-eyed in its multi-generational portrait. Here I Am streams via iTunes and Prime Video. We Are Still Here It begins with stunning animation, shimmering with the rich blue hues of the sea. From there, everything from lush greenery to dusty outback appears in its frames. The past returns to the screen, and a vision of the present finds a place as well — and crossing the ditch between Australia and New Zealand, and venturing further into the South Pacific, is baked into the movie's very concept. That film is We Are Still Here, which makes an enormous statement with its title, responding to 250 years of colonialism. Of course, filmmakers in the region have been surveying this history since the birth of the medium, because the topic is inescapable. Combining eight different takes from ten Indigenous filmmakers (including Here I Am's Beck Cole, A Chance Affair's Tracey Rigney, Carry the Flag's Danielle MacLean and A League of Her Own's Dena Curtis from Australia) instantly makes We Are Still Here stand out, however — and this Pacific First Nations collaboration isn't short on talent, or impact. We Are Still Here streams via SBS On Demand, Netflix, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Spear An Australian dance movie that uses its fancy footwork to step through the plight of the country's First Nations peoples, Spear is a striking cinematic achievement. First-time feature helmer, Bran Nue Dae and The Sapphires choreographer, and Bangarra Dance Theatre artistic director Stephen Page turns the company's performance work of the same name into a big-screen spectacle unlike anything crafted locally, or anywhere else for that matter. Mood, music and movement are pivotal, as a teenage boy wanders from the outback to the city to try to reconcile his ancient culture in a modern world. His journey is just as transporting for those watching as it is for everyone within the movie, as well as anchoring one of the most expressive pieces of Australian film perhaps ever made. Watch his with the aforementioned Firestarter — The Story of Bangarra for a fantastic double feature. Spear streams via ABC iView and Beamafilm. Read our full review. Satellite Boy On paper, it might seem easy to spot exactly why Satellite Boy proves so charming. Writer/director Catriona McKenzie smartly enlisted the now-late David Gulpilil (Storm Boy) as Indigenous elder Jagamarra, one of ten-year-old Pete's (first-timer Cameron Wallaby) guardians and the person teaching him about life on the land. It's a stroke of casting genius, clearly — and crucial to the film. That said, this dreamlike 2012 movie has several impressive casting touches as it traverses the Western Australian landscape, including unearthing young Wallaby as its lead and similarly finding fellow debutant Joseph Pedley to play Pete's pal Kalmain. McKenzie's feature also boasts a delightful narrative, which sees the two boys take to the bush en route to the city to save the home that Pete adores: a rundown drive-in cinema that this big-dreaming kid simply wants to get back into action. Satellite Boy streams via iTunes and Prime Video. Buckskin and Finke: There and Back The past few years have been memorable for Dylan River. The Alice Springs filmmaker directed delightful SBS web series Robbie Hood, was the cinematographer on rousing Adam Goodes documentary The Australian Dream, worked as the second unit director on the aforementioned Sweet Country, lensed The Beach (with the latter two both helmed by his father, Warwick Thornton), co-directed Mystery Road: Origin and was behind the wonderful Thou Shalt Not Steal. He also wrote, directed and shot two impressive documentaries of his own: Buckskin and Finke: There and Back. The first tells the tale of Jack Buckskin, Australia's only teacher of the near-extinct Kaurna language, while the second covers the rough, tough, two-day off-terrain trek that gives the doco its name. Both prove insightful, and showcase the astute skills of one of Australia's emerging filmmaking talents. Buckskin streams via SBS On Demand and Vimeo. Finke: There and Back streams via SBS On Demand, Netflix, DocPlay, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. It's also one of our ten best movies of 2019 that hardly anyone saw. Servant or Slave and Looky Looky Here Comes Cooky Watching a documentary directed by Steven McGregor involves exploring Australia's complicated history. There's much for the director of Black Comedy and co-writer of Mystery Road, Redfern Now and Sweet Country to cover, of course. In 2016's Servant or Slave, he turned his attention not only to the nation's Stolen Generation, but to the Indigenous girls who were forced to work as domestic servants. The powerful film features five women recalling their experiences — and it's impossible not to be moved and horrified by their accounts. With 2020's Looky Looky Here Comes Cooky, the filmmaker takes a more irreverent approach to Australia's past, while still remaining just as probing. The charismatic Steven Oliver leads the show on-screen, as this clever and engaging movie revisits the story of Captain Cook from a First Nations perspective, including via songlines with the assistance of Indigenous performers. Servant or Slave streams via SBS On Demand, DocPlay, Brollie, Prime Video, YouTube Movies and iTunes. Looky Looky Here Comes Cooky streams via SBS On Demand.
From within the heritage-listed walls of a former Rose Bay church, aambra brings the fire, ritual and generosity of Levantine cooking to one of Sydney's most striking dining rooms. After sitting dormant for more than a decade, the 120-year-old landmark on Old South Head Road — whose foundation stone was laid in 1904 — has been reimagined as a 140-seat restaurant that leans into both history and spectacle. Behind the transformation is owner Cristian Gorgees, who spent more than three years working with DS17's Paul Papadopoulos to respectfully restore the building into a smart, contemporary dining space. Inside, sunlight filters through original stained-glass windows onto custom Italian marble floors in warm burgundy and peach tones, while Venetian plaster walls are adorned with custom lighting and a statement art deco mirror. Overhead, a sculptural brass-and-linen light installation draws the eye up to the 10-metre-high cathedral ceiling, with a glassed-in mezzanine private dining room floating above one half of the space. Out back, an alfresco garden space with olive trees, lounge chairs and a multi-level wraparound deck offers a relaxed counterpoint to the drama inside. [caption id="attachment_1053488" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Vincent Yeung[/caption] Running the length of the room, an open-plan bar and kitchen gives diners a front-row seat to the open-flame grill. The refined, share-style menu draws on centuries-old family recipes from Gorgees' Iraqi heritage alongside flavours from Lebanon, Jordan, Cyprus and Egypt, with Executive Chef Gianluca Lonati (Nour) at the helm. Start with snacks like smoked oyster taramasalata, raw beef with lupini and baharat, or a Moreton Bay bug borek with daggah ghazzawieh, before moving to small plates like a tuna kibbeh nayeh, tongue shawarma skewers and woodfired chicken manti with whey. Larger dishes include whole blue grouper masgouf with tamarind and tomato, a dry-aged carob duck crown, merguez-stuffed lamb saddle and an 800-gram wagyu rib eye cooked on the bone. Drinks are equally expressive, with sommelier Sasa Savic curating a 130-plus-bottle wine list alongside playful signatures like a watermelon martini, arak elderflower spritz and jaffa margarita — all just as suited to slow afternoons in the garden as they are to lingering dinners inside. [caption id="attachment_1053489" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Vincent Yeung[/caption] Images: Vincent Yeung.
First things first: don't come to Claret Club if you're in the mood for a cocktail. "Sydney has so many fantastic cocktail venues — we're happy to leave those to the experts," says Bridget Raffal (pictured below), co-owner of the intimate Darlinghurst newcomer. "Wine is what we love, and that's where we choose to put our energy." The other half of that 'we' is Raffal's business and life partner, Harry Hunter. Both are excellently credentialled: Hunter is a former sommelier at Rockpool, Bentley Group and Dinner by Heston, while fellow somm Raffal is herself an alum of Sixpenny and co-owner of Marrickville wine bar Where's Nick. Together, they've opened a deliberately wine-first bar and restaurant in Darlinghurst, doing away with gatekeeping — and, yes, cocktails — while putting great bottles and approachability front and centre. [caption id="attachment_1065648" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Isabella Wild[/caption] Claret Club occupies a two-storey terrace on Stanley Street, with a walk-in wine bar downstairs and a European-inspired dining room upstairs. Wine is the undisputed star of the show, with a rotating selection of 30 drops available by the glass, and a by-the-bottle list set to expand to around 800 labels over time. Many of the bottles are pulled directly from Raffal and Hunter's personal cellar — expect everything from benchmark Bordeaux and Burgundy Grands Crus to standout Australian expressions from regions like the Yarra Valley, Coonawarra and Margaret River. While the name nods to historically exclusive members-only wine societies, this is very much a modern, inclusive take. "We're excited to open up our personal collections," says Raffal. "A lot of sommeliers keep secret 'reserve' lists for those in the know, where guests are deemed worthy of ordering certain bottles, but that's just not our style." At Claret Club, if a wine is in its drinking window, it'll be on the list for anyone to enjoy. Upstairs, Head Chef Andy Buchanan (The Dry Dock) oversees a wine-friendly menu inspired by classic European bistros and unfussy, flavour-first cooking. The à la carte selection includes pig's head croquettes with salsa verde, gnocco fritto with anchovy and sage, market fish with sauce vierge and roast duck with summer cherries and bitter leaves. There's also a $100 Carte Blanche option, where the kitchen matches five courses to guests' wine selection. Cocktails, meanwhile, are conspicuously absent. There's a tight selection of aperitifs, digestifs and select spirits, but nothing shaken or mixed, ensuring the focus remains on what's in the glass. For Raffal, that focus is both practical and philosophical: "Can you imagine missing out on a conversation about a truly beautiful bottle of wine because you were stuck behind the bar making cocktails? Nightmare material!" Images: Isabella Wild.
UPDATE: MAY 13, 2020 — Carbón is reopening for dine-in service from Friday, May 15. It's taking bookings of up to ten people per 1.5-hour sitting, available from 5pm, 6.45pm and 8.50pm. On Saturdays and Sundays, it's also offering bottomless tacos and margaritas for $79 per person, with sittings at 12pm, 1.45pm and 3.30pm. To book, call (02) 9365 6092, email info@carbonmexican.com.au or direct message via Instagram. It is currently offering Mexican food and cocktails for pick up or delivery, too. You can order online here. The owners of cosy Mexican joint Taqiza have expanded their Bondi offering. They've taken over the old Rum Diaries space along Bondi Road and have opened Carbón — a new hacienda-inspired Mexican restaurant that focuses on all things woodfired. Chefs and owners Pablo Galindo Vargas and Liber Osorio know a thing or two about Mexican cooking, having been born and raised in Mexico City. "At Carbón, we wanted to rescue the indigenous culinary elements of our backgrounds, going back to our roots to create a menu full of flavours, colours and textures while maintaining the integrity and sustainability of the produce," says Vargas. The venue complements Bondi's laid-back vibes with a beachy fitout that is meant to be reminiscent of a Caribbean hacienda. While Taqiza is an intimate venue, Carbón boasts a large open space with a full kitchen that centres around their brand new, woodfire grill — which is fitting considering the restaurant's name translates to 'charcoal' in Spanish. The dishes pay homage to traditional Latin American parrilla (barbecuing) techniques, with the open charcoal fire used for cooking tortillas, heating underground ovens and boiling soups or sauces. Carbón also focuses on fresh produce that can be enriched with the use of charcoal. The interactive share menu centres on make-your-own tacos, with options including Hampshire suckling pig with achiote adobo and Seville oranges, as well as roasted lamb shoulder with chipotle citrus yoghurt. Regular specials will be on offer, too, like the charcoal sealed tuna sashimi with finger lime, tiger's milk (aka citrusy ceviche marinade), sweet potato chips and salmon caviar. At the bar, the drinks menu is — unsurprisingly — focused on tequila and mezcal. Cocktails like the Bondi Sunset (mezcal, elderflower liquor, lime juice and mandarin) and the Oaxacan Pink Lad (mezcal, brandy, lemon juice, agave syrup and aquafaba) are just the start.
You'll go mad trying to find the best burgers in Sydney on your own — there's an almost endless number of places serving them up in every size and variety you can imagine. Bun-wise, you've got your brioche, potato, milk and gluten-free options. Fill these with beef patties, pulled pork, fried chicken, battered fish or a whole selection of vegetarian and vegan alternatives. Add in secret sauces, pickles, bacon, cheese and whatever else you can dream up. Serve them up with straight, crinkle-cut, curly, waffle or thick-cut fries and then add a heap of extra sauces for dipping. Pair it with house-made sodas, beers or cocktails. And there you have a never-ending list of how to create the best burger combo — that no one person could ever get through alone. But that's why you have us. Our team has spent years searching for the best burgers in Sydney. We've tried them at fine diners. We've hit up food trucks. We've ordered them to our homes. We've sampled them at underground bars. And we've made our way through entire menus at Sydney restaurants that only serve burgers. Through this grease-filled journey, we bring you the ultimate list of the best burgers in Sydney. We are extra proud of this one. So take your time to peruse this list, your next favourite burger joint could be here. Recommended reads: The Best Pizza in Sydney Best Mexican Restaurants in Sydney Best New Restaurants in Sydney
Long before the peri-peri craze reached its peak in Australia, Frango had been serving up Portuguese-style charcoal chicken for well over a decade. With its first store opening in Petersham in 1989, the family-run business has just launched its 16th Sydney location, bringing its marinated goodness to the Shire for the first time. Opening the doors in Caringbah on Wednesday, September 24, the founding Fernandes family remains at the helm, resisting a franchise model for something a little more personal. With the lineage migrating from Madeira in Portugal to Angola in Africa, this heritage still rings through its brand of spice and smoke. "We are so proud to finally open our first Shire outpost in Caringbah. Offering our fan favourites along with the launch of our new expanding fried chicken menu and healthy wrap options menu, there really is something for the entire family," says husband and wife directors, Luis and Rima Fernandes. Spanning whole charcoal chickens and vibrant salads to barbecue sweet corn, Frango regulars will know that burgers are the star of the show. The OG Portuguese burger combo remains the go-to order, with creamy mayo and signature chilli sauce making for a flavourful kick. Plus, desserts like Portuguese tarts and crème caramel make for an even more indulgent visit. "We don't have a central kitchen either, unlike our peers in the industry, which means all our food is prepared daily on each site and displayed for our customers to have a truly gourmand experience — it doesn't get any fresher than that!" says Luis and Rima. With the grills and fryers now pumping out big flavours on the daily in Caringbah, Frango is looking ahead to another round of new store openings. While details are being kept hush-hush, expect a Brisbane and Melbourne expansion to be on the cards in the near future. Frango Caringbah is now open daily from 10am–9pm at 344 Kingsway, Caringbah. Head to the website for more information.
As the state capital and one of the region's most vibrant cities, Sydney is bursting at the seams with diverse cultural happenings. Luckily, we're here to guide you. We've rounded up a trifecta of the most thrilling and culturally important experiences over the coming months.
Two years on from shutting its doors, Balmain's oldest licensed pub The Dry Dock reopened under new owners following an ambitious full-venue transformation. The heritage-listed pub was established back in 1857 and has long been a community cornerstone. In its latest iteration, under the guidance of Peninsula Hospitality's James Ingram and Mike Everett, it's received a stunning makeover — splitting the space into three distinct but equally enjoyable offerings. The 330-capacity venue includes a classic 90-person front bar complete with screened sports and tap beers; a 120-seat lounge bar full of couches and booths around a fireplace in the centre; and a super sleek 100-seat dining room with its own oyster bar and charcoal grill. And if you have a particularly special group occasion, you can also snatch up a booking in the 14-seat semi-private dining room. Leading the charge in the kitchen is Head Chef Ben Sitton, who brings with him experience at some of Sydney's top venues including Felix, Uccello and Rockpool Bar & Grill. The dining room menu traverses raw seafood, shared plates, salads, pastas, grilled delights and desserts. Do not get this confused with classic pub fare, what's on offer from The Dry Dock kitchen is well and truly a cut above. You'll be able to cover the table in prawn cocktails, cod croquettes, an exceptional duck liver parfait and roasted peach salad, or order individual mains from the standout selections like The Dry Dock cheeseburger, the excellent roast chicken with pan juices and fries, steak frites, and a superb crumbed port cutlet that will make you permanently shift your position on pork cutlets. There are also a series of set menus for groups to tackle if they're looking to go big — with the banquets ranging from $75–120 per person. At the top end, the DD Luxe degustation boasts over 15 different dishes including kingfish crudo, the aforementioned chicken, duck ragu orecchiette and an 800-gram Brooklyn Valley rib eye on the bone. If you're just popping in for a beer or a glass of wine and eschewing a lengthier stint in the dining room, there's a shortened bar menu to browse. Partner your casual drink with oysters, sherry vinegar-glazed peppers or a selection of charcuterie. While there's plenty of luxury to be found at the venue, it also remains a standard pub at heart. There's plenty of room for walk-ins if you're after a casual pint, and you can bring your four-legged friends with you. Mort Street Park is right next door so you can play fetch before or after your trip to The Dry Dock.
Pulling off a blockbuster retrospective of one of Australia's most loved landscape painters is ambitious in any year, but in 2020 it's a huge achievement. "It's the largest Streeton retrospective since 1931 — and I did try to compete with that exhibition," says the Art Gallery of New South Wales' head curator of Australian art, Wayne Tunnicliffe. The new exhibition Streeton features more than 150 works by the Australian impressionist painter (only 20 shy of the one held by the Gallery 89 years ago), and its works come from public and private collections from around the country, including ones from Victoria, coordinated during lockdown. The Gallery's exhibition follows Streeton's career from his early drawings to his latter years when the artist became a vocal environmentalist. "Streeton had a lifelong practice, but most galleries show his earlier works," says Tunnicliffe. In Streeton, you'll walk room to room seeing the progression from the revolutionary moment when Streeton and his contemporaries invent Australian impressionism to his journeys to London, Cairo, Venice and back to Australia. In partnership with Destination NSW, we asked Tunnicliffe to pick out five paintings that tell us more about the talented painter's passions, and how they retain relevance today. [caption id="attachment_789415" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Arthur Streeton, 'Still glides the stream, and shall for ever glide' (1890), oil on canvas, later mounted on hardboard, 82.6x153 cm, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney, purchased 1890. Photo: Jenni Carter, AGNSW[/caption] 'STILL GLIDES THE STREAM AND SHALL FOR EVER GLIDE' (1890) The Victorian artist was only 22 years old when he painted 'Still glides the stream, and shall for ever glide', and the Art Gallery of New South Wales buys it the year it was painted — transforming Streeton's career. "It's his first acquisition by a public art gallery, and that financial support means he's able to come to Sydney and live, and paint those extraordinary Sydney harbour scenes," says Tunnicliffe. "[The acquisition] is saying Australian impressionism is important and that we need to take it seriously." The painting has been on public display ever since, and the curator tells us it was Streeton's way of implying nature's persistence. "Nature is here forever. Streeton tries to encompass this in the painting, and it suggests that we will endure with it, and by extension, the creative act of this painting will endure as well." Streeton and his Heidelberg School contemporaries were inspired by the French movement of painting en plein air (outside), and they were making it their own, here in Australia. As Tunnicliffe tells us, the Gallery's forward-looking trustees of the time were keen to support and validate this new style of painting. [caption id="attachment_789412" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Arthur Streeton, 'Circular Quay' (1892), oil on wood, 19.3x47.6cm, National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, purchased 1959. Photo: Jenni Carter, AGNSW[/caption] 'CIRCULAR QUAY' (1892) After Streeton's cash injection, he comes to Sydney and falls in love with its beaches and harbour. In Streeton, you'll find scenes of bathers at Coogee Beach, ferries picking up passengers at McMahons Point and the rocky harbour around Sirius Cove. "He paints the life around him, as impressionists do around the world," says Tunnicliffe. "When he comes to Sydney, he's transfixed by the harbour and the beaches, but the working harbour is what he gets really interested in. This bustling, modern, growing, booming city." "In this painting, 'Circular Quay', you can see the Quay at work: people strolling, ferries puffing, boats arriving on a bright, hot day. And, of course, we can see that scene now. It looks different, but we can be in that spot where Streeton is and experience that." [caption id="attachment_789414" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Arthur Streeton, 'The purple noon's transparent might' (1896), oil on canvas, 123x123 cm, National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne, purchased 1896. Photo: National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne[/caption] 'THE PURPLE NOON'S TRANSPARENT MIGHT' (1896) Sydney alone is not enough for Streeton. He actively travels to the Blue Mountains, Gloucester and across regional New South Wales to capture the Australian landscape. In 1896, he travels to Richmond, buys a cheap horse called Pawnbroker, and rides out to a raised area above the Hawkesbury River to paint 'The purple noon's transparent might'. "It's 44 degrees when he paints this. It's a heatwave and he's out there literally suffering for his art," says Tunnicliffe. "What he captures is the extraordinary intensity of Australian light and colour on this hot, hot day." It's an example of Streeton's tenacity, his commitment to recording what he finds before him, and Tunnicliffe says he thinks it's "one of the great landscape paintings in Australian art." "What's remarkable about this work is that it's never been varnished. It's matte paint, as Streeton painted it in 1896. It's been conserved over several months, so it looks now like it did when it left Streeton's studio. You can see the really visible brushstrokes — the way he's pushing that paint around to get that effect. But also, that shifting, shimmering light." [caption id="attachment_789413" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Arthur Streeton, 'The Grand Canal' (1908) oil on canvas, 93x169cm, Collection of Susan Clarke, Victoria. Photo: Glen Watson[/caption] 'THE GRAND CANAL' (1908) Fast forward to the 20th century. Streeton's lauded as one of Australia's greatest landscape painters all before he turns 30, and he's looking to prove himself overseas. "Streeton leaves Australia in 1897 because he feels he's done as much as he can at that point in his life. He wants to challenge himself; he goes to London and he struggles. But, going to Venice in 1908 on his honeymoon, and painting over 80 views on two visits in that year, he exhibits these in London and that's when he gets recognition. Because he takes a real risk." Venice is one of the most painted scenes by some of the most famous artists in the 19th and early 20th century, explains Tunnicliffe. "He pits himself against them and he's very well reviewed. This particular painting is one of two he did on this scale, with this ambition." This aerial view was painted from high up on the palazzo looking up the Grand Canal. Interestingly, both his large-scale Grand Canal paintings have been missing for decades. "This one was recently rediscovered in a private collection in regional Victoria," says Tunnicliffe. "And so, this is the first time it's been shown publicly for many decades. It's in completely original, untouched, unconserved, condition — this is what a painting looks like after 100 years." [caption id="attachment_789411" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Arthur Streeton, 'The vanishing forest' (1934), oil on canvas, 122.5x122.5cm, on loan to the Art Gallery of Ballarat from the Estate of Margery Pierce[/caption] 'THE VANISHING FOREST' (1934) By the 1920s, Streeton was an established artist, and somewhat of a celebrity. He's returned to Australia, painting pastoral landscapes, and living in the house he's built in the Dandenong Ranges with his wife Nora. And it's during this time that the artist uses his prestige to actively campaign to save the environment. "He was deeply concerned when he came back to Australia in the 1920s, seeing much-loved landscapes being cut down." In 'The vanishing forest', Streeton is making a statement. It's a large-scale painting, intentionally similar in size to his most famous works, and, as Tunnicliffe tells us, he's asking Australians to take the destruction seriously. "He paints mature trees that have been ring-barked, a tree that has been bulldozed and is soon to be cut up. He really wants us to think hard about this, and about what we're doing to our environment, and that message is still so important." Tickets to 'Streeton' cost $22 and you can buy timed-entry tickets online. If you've already purchased untimed and undated tickets for 'Streeton', they will be honoured for any date and time until February 14, 2021. For $35, you can upgrade to a Gallery Pass, which gives you access to 'Streeton' and the 'Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes 2020'. Top images: installation views of 'Streeton' at Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney. Photos: Jenni Carter, AGNSW
We say it every year. We'll say it again this year. On Halloween, there's nothing like watching the exceptional slasher flick that is the OG Halloween, aka one of iconic filmmaker John Carpenter's masterpieces, as well as the movie that helped make Jamie Lee Curtis a star. But when October 31 rolls around — and spooky season in general — there are more flicks to binge at home, including new releases from 2023. So, for your next scary movie-fuelled stint of sofa time, we've picked ten horror movies that'd make a killer streaming marathon — and are all available to watch on subscription-based platforms right now. In this bag of tricks: standout Mexican and Chilean fare, an entry in an ace new slasher franchise, inventive examples of the genre that play with the form and, of course, an evil doll. They're all treats, too. HUESERA: THE BONE WOMAN The sound of cracking knuckles is one of humanity's most anxiety-inducing. The noise of clicking bones elsewhere? That's even worse. Both help provide Huesera: The Bone Woman's soundtrack — and set the mood for a deeply tense slow-burner that plunges into maternal paranoia like a Mexican riff on Rosemary's Baby, the horror subgenre's perennial all-timer, while also interrogating the reality that bringing children into the world isn't a dream for every woman no matter how much society expects otherwise. Valeria (Natalia Solián, Red Shoes) is thrilled to be pregnant, a state that hasn't come easily. After resorting to praying at a shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in desperation, neither she nor partner Raúl (Alfonso Dosal, Narcos: Mexico) could be happier, even if her sister Vero (Sonia Couoh, 40 Years Young) caustically comments that she's never seemed that interested in motherhood before. Then, two things shake up her hard-fought situation: a surprise run-in with Octavia (Mayra Batalla, Everything Will Be Fine), the ex-girlfriend she once planned to live a completely different life with; and constant glimpses of a slithering woman whose unnatural body movements echo and unsettle. Filmmaker Michelle Garza Cervera (TV series Marea alta) makes her fictional narrative debut with Huesera: The Bone Woman, directing and also writing with first-timer Abia Castillo — and she makes a powerfully chilling and haunting body-horror effort about hopes, dreams, regrets and the torment of being forced into a future that you don't truly foresee as your own. Every aspect of the film, especially Nur Rubio Sherwell's (Don't Blame Karma!) exacting cinematography, reinforces how trapped that Valeria feels even if she can't admit it to herself, and how much that attempting to be the woman Raúl and her family want is eating away at her soul. Solián is fantastic at navigating this journey, including whether the movie is leaning into drama or terror at any given moment. You don't need expressive eyes to be a horror heroine, but she boasts them; she possesses a scream queen's lungs, too. Unsurprisingly, Cervera won the Nora Ephron Award for best female filmmaker at the 2022 Tribeca Film Festival for this instantly memorable nightmare. Huesera: The Bone Woman streams via Shudder. EL CONDE What if Augusto Pinochet didn't die in 2006? What if the Chilean general and dictator wasn't aged 91 at the time, either? What if his story started long before his official 1915 birthdate, in France prior to the French Revolution? What if he's been living for 250 years because he's a literal monster of the undead, draining and terrifying kind? Trust Chilean filmmaking great Pablo Larraín (Ema, Neruda, The Club, No, Post Mortem and Tony Manero) to ask these questions in El Conde, which translates as The Count and marks the latest exceptional effort in a career that just keeps serving up excellent movies. His satirical, sharp and gleefully unsubtle version of his homeland's most infamous leader was born Claude Pinoche (Clemente Rodríguez, Manchild), saw Marie Antoinette get beheaded and kept popping up to quell insurgencies before becoming Augusto Pinochet. Now holed up in a farm after faking his own death to avoid legal scrutiny — aka the consequences of being a brutal tyrant — the extremely elderly figure (Jaime Vadell, a Neruda, The Club, No and Post Mortem veteran) is also tired of eternal life. The idea at the heart of El Conde is a gem, with Larraín and his regular co-writer Guillermo Calderón plunging a stake into a despot while showing that the impact of authoritarianism rule stretches on forever (and winning the Venice International Film Festival's Best Screenplay Award this year for their efforts). The execution: just as sublime in a film that's both wryly and dynamically funny, and also a monochrome-shot visual marvel. A moment showing Pinoche licking the blood off the guillotine that's just decapitated Antoinette is instantly unforgettable. As Pinochet flies above Santiago in his cape and military attire in the thick of night, every Edward Lachman (The Velvet Underground)-lensed shot of The Count — as he likes to be called by his wife Lucia (Gloria Münchmeyer, 42 Days of Darkness), butler Fyodor (Alfredo Castro, The Settlers) and adult children — has just as much bite. El Conde's narrative sets its protagonist against an accountant and nun (Paula Luchsinger, Los Espookys) who digs through his crime and sins, and it's a delight that punctures. As seen in the also magnificent Jackie and Spencer, too, Larraín surveys the past like no one else. El Conde streams via Netflix. PEARL 70s-era porn, but make it a slasher flick: when Ti West's X marked the big-screen spot in 2022, that's one of the tricks it pulled. The playful, smart and gory horror standout also arrived with an extra spurt of good news, with West debuting it as part of a trilogy. 30s- and 40s-period technicolour, plus 50s musicals and melodramas, but splatter them with kills, genre thrills and ample blood spills: that's what the filmmaker behind cult favourites The House of the Devil and The Innkeepers now serves up with X prequel Pearl. Shot back to back with its predecessor, sharing mesmerising star Mia Goth (Emma), and co-written by her and West — penned during their two-week COVID-19 quarantine period getting into New Zealand to make the initial movie, in fact — it's a gleaming companion piece. It's also a savvy deepening and recontextualising of a must-see scary-movie franchise that's as much about desire, dreams and determination as notching up deaths. In one of her X roles, Goth was magnetic as aspiring adult-film actor Maxine Minx, a part she'll reprise in the trilogy's upcoming third instalment MaXXXine. As she proved first up and does again in Pearl, she plays nascent, yearning, shrewd and resolute with not just potency, but with a pivotal clash between fortitude and vulnerability; when one of Goth's youthful X Universe characters says that they're special or have the X factor, they do so with an astute blend of certainty, good ol' fashioned wishing and hoping, and naked self-convincing. This second effort's namesake, who Goth also brought to the screen in her elder years in X, wants to make it in the pictures, too. Looking to dance on her feet instead of horizontally, stardom is an escape (again), but Pearl's cruel mother Ruth (Tandi Wright, Creamerie), a religiously devout immigrant from Germany turned bitter from looking after her ailing husband (Mathew Sunderland, The Stranger), laughs at the idea. Pearl is available to stream via Netflix and Binge. Read our full review. SKINAMARINK Age may instil nocturnal bravery in most of us, stopping the flinching and wincing at things that routinely go bump, thump and jump in the night in our ordinary homes, but the childhood feeling of lying awake in the dark with shadows, shapes and strange sounds haunting an eerie void never seeps from memory. Close your eyes, cast your mind back, and the unsettling and uncertain sensation can easily spring again — that's how engrained it is. Or, with your peepers wide open, you could just watch new micro-budget Canadian horror movie Skinamarink. First-time feature filmmaker Kyle Edward Ball has even made this breakout hit, which cost just $15,000 to produce, in the house he grew up in. His characters: two kids, four-year-old Kevin (debutant Lucas Paul) and six-year-old Kaylee (fellow newcomer Dali Rose Tetreault), who wake up deep into the evening. The emotion he's trading in: pure primal dread, because to view this digitally shot but immensely grainy-looking flick is to be plunged back to a time when nightmares lingered the instant that the light switched off. Skinamarink does indeed jump backwards, meeting Kevin and Kaylee in 1995 when they can't find their dad (Ross Paul, Moby Dick) or mum (Jaime Hill, Give and Take) after waking. But, befitting a movie that's an immersive collage of distressing and disquieting images and noises from the get-go, it also pulsates with an air of being trapped in time. It takes its name from a nonsense nursery-rhyme song from 1910, then includes cartoons from the 1930s on Kevin and Kaylee's television to brighten up the night's relentless darkness. In its exacting, hissing sound design especially, it brings David Lynch's 1977 debut Eraserhead to mind. And the influence of 1999's The Blair Witch Project and the 2007-born Paranormal Activity franchise is just as evident, although Skinamarink is far more ambient, experimental and experiential. Ball has evolved from crafting YouTube shorts inspired by online commenters' worst dreams to this: his own creepypasta. Skinamarink is available to stream via Shudder and AMC+. Read our full review. NO ONE WILL SAVE YOU Thanks to Justified, Short Term 12, Booksmart, Unbelievable and Dopesick, Kaitlyn Dever has already notched up plenty of acting highlights; however, No One Will Save You proves one of her best projects yet while only getting the actor to speak just a single line. Instead of using dialogue, this alien invasion flick tells its story without words — and also finds its emotion in Dever's expressive face and physicality. Her character: Mill River resident Brynn Adams, who has no one to talk to long before extra-terrestrials arrive. The local outcast due to a tragic incident from her past, and now living alone in her childhood home following her mother's death, Brynn fills her time by sewing clothes, making models of her unwelcoming small town like she's in Moon and penning letters to her best friend Maude. Then she's woken in the night by an intruder who isn't human, flits between fighting back and fleeing, and is forced into a battle for survival — striving to save her alienated existence in her cosy but lonely abode from grey-hued, long-limbed, telekinetic otherworldly interlopers with a penchant for mind control. With Spontaneous writer/director Brian Duffield's script matched by exacting A Quite Place-level sound design and The Witcher composer Joseph Trapanese's score, this close encounter of the unspoken kind is a visual feat, bouncing, bounding and dancing around Brynn's house and the Mill River community as aliens linger. Every single frame conveys a wealth of detail, as it needs to without chatter to fill in the gaps. Every look on Dever's face does the same, and every glance as well; this is a performance so fine-tuned that this would be a completely different film without her. Bringing the iconic 'Hush' episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer to mind, No One Will Save you is smartly plotted, including in explaining why it sashays in silence. Just as crucially — and this time recalling everyone's favourite home-invasion film, aka Home Alone — it's fluidly and evocatively choreographed. There's also a touch of Nope in its depiction of eerie threats from space, plus a veer into Invasion of the Body Snatchers, all without ever feeling like No One Will Save is bluntly cribbing from elsewhere. The result: a new sci-fi/horror standout. No One Will Save You streams via Disney+. TOTALLY KILLER Kiernan Shipka has long said goodbye to Mad Men's Sally Draper, including by starring in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. After her dalliance with witchcraft, she's still sticking with horror in Totally Killer, but in a mix of slasher tropes and a Back to the Future-borrowing premise. There's a body count and a time machine — and 80s fashions aplenty, because where else does a 2023 movie head to when it's venturing into the past? Also present and accounted for: a tale about a high schooler living in a small town cursed by a past serial killer, which brings some Halloween and Scream nods, plus Mean Girls and Heathers-esque teen savagery. And, yes, John Hughes flicks also get some love, complete with shoutouts to Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club and Pretty in Pink star Molly Ringwald. Totally Killer doesn't skimp on knowingly and winkingly mashing up its many influences, clearly, or on enjoying itself while doing so. The end result is a heap of fun, as hailing from Always Be My Maybe's Nahnatchka Khan behind the lens, along with screenwriters David Matalon (The Clearing), Sasha Perl-Raver (Let's Get Married) and Jen D'Angelo (Hocus Pocus 2). Shipka plays Vernon resident Jamie Hughes, who has spent her whole life being told to be careful about everything by her overprotective parents Pam (Julie Bowen, Modern Family) and Blake (Lochlyn Munro, Creepshow) after an October turned deadly back when they were her age. Unsurprisingly, she isn't happy about it. The reason for their caution: in 1987, three 16-year-old girls were murdered in the lead up to Halloween, with the culprit badged the Sweet 16 Killer — and infamy ensuing for Jamie's otherwise ordinary hometown. Pam is still obsessed with finding the murderer decades later, but her daughter only gets involved after a new tragedy. This Jason Blum (The Exorcist: Believer)-produced flick then needs to conjure up a blast in the past to try to fix what happened then to stop the new deaths from occurring. Always knowing that it's a comedy as much as a slasher film (as seen in its bright hues, heard in its snappy dialogue and conveyed in its committed performances), Totally Killer leans into everything about its Frankenstein's monster-style assemblage of pieces, bringing its setup to entertaining life. Totally Killer streams via Prime Video. THEY CLONED TYRONE Jordan Peele's Get Out and Us would already make a killer triple feature with Boots Riley's Sorry to Bother You. For a smart and savvy marathon of science fiction-leaning films about race in America by Black filmmakers, now add Juel Taylor's They Cloned Tyrone. The Creed II screenwriter turns first-time feature director with this dystopian movie that slides in alongside Groundhog Day, Moon, The Cabin in the Woods, A Clockwork Orange, Invasion of the Body Snatchers and They Live, too — but is never derivative, not for a second, including in its 70s-style Blaxploitation-esque aesthetic that nods to Shaft and Superfly as well. Exactly what drug dealer Fontaine (John Boyega, The Woman King), pimp Slick Charles (Jamie Foxx, Spider-Man: No Way Home) and sex worker Yo-Yo (Teyonah Parris, Candyman) find in their neighbourhood is right there in the film's name. The how, the why, the specifics around both, the sense of humour that goes with all of the above, the savage satire: Taylor and co-writer Tony Rettenmaier perfect the details. Ignore the fact that they both collaborated on the script for the awful Space Jam: A New Legacy, other than considering the excellent They Cloned Tyrone as a far smarter, darker and deeper exploration of exploitation when the powers that be see other people as merely a means to an end. On an ordinary day — and amid vintage-looking threads and hairstyles, and also thoroughly modern shoutouts to SpongeBob SquarePants, Kevin Bacon, Barack Obama, Nancy Drew and bitcoin — Fontaine wakes up, has little cash and doesn't win on an instant scratch-it. He chats to his mother through her bedroom door, tries to collect a debt from Slick Charles and, as Yo-Yo witnesses, is shot. Then he's back in his bed, none the wiser about what just happened, zero wounds to be seen, and going through the same cycle again. When the trio realise that coming back from the dead isn't just a case of déjà vu, they team up to investigate, discovering one helluva conspiracy that helps Taylor's film make a powerful statement. They Cloned Tyrone's lead trio amply assists, too, especially the ever-ace Boyega. Like Sorry to Bother You especially, this is a comedy set within a nightmarish scenario, and the Attack the Block, Star Wars and Small Axe alum perfects both the humour and the horror. One plucky and persistent, the other oozing charm and rocking fur-heavy coats, Parris and Foxx lean into the hijinks as the central threesome go all Scooby-Doo. There isn't just a man in a mask here, however, in this astute and inventive standout. They Cloned Tyrone streams via Netflix. M3GAN Book in a date with 2 M3GAN 2 Furious now: even if it doesn't take that name, which it won't, a sequel to 2023's first guaranteed horror hit will come. Said follow-up also won't be called M3GAN 2: Electric Boogaloo, but that title would fit based on the first flick's TikTok-worthy dance sequence alone. Meme-starting fancy footwork is just one of the titular doll's skills. Earnestly singing 'Titanium' like this is Pitch Perfect, tickling the ivories with 80s classic 'Toy Soldiers', making these moments some of M3GAN's funniest: they're feats the robot achieves like it's designed to, too. Although unafraid to take wild tonal swings, and mining the established comedy-horror talents of New Zealand filmmaker Gerard Johnstone (Housebound) and screenwriter Akela Cooper (Malignant) as well, this killer-plaything flick does feel highly programmed itself, however. It's winking, knowing, silly, satirical, slick and highly engineered all at once, overtly pushing buttons and demanding a response — and, thankfully, mostly earning it. Those Child's Play-meets-Annabelle-meets-The Terminator-meets-HAL 9000 thoughts that M3GAN's basic concept instantly brings to mind? They all prove true. The eponymous droid — a Model 3 Generative Android, to be specific — is a four-foot-tall artificially intelligent doll that takes the task of protecting pre-teen Cady (Violet McGraw, Black Widow) from emotional and physical harm deadly seriously, creeping out and/or causing carnage against everyone who gets in its way. Those Frankenstein-esque sparks, exploring what happens when humanity (or Girls and Get Out's Allison Williams here, as Cady's roboticist aunt Gemma) plays god by creating life? They're just as evident, as relevant to the digital age Ex Machina-style. M3GAN is more formulaic than it should be, though, and also never as thoughtful as it wants to be, but prolific horror figures Jason Blum and James Wan produce a film that's almost always entertaining. M3GAN is available to stream via Binge and Netflix. Read our full review. THE BOOGEYMAN Teenagers are savage in The Boogeyman, specifically to Yellowjackets standout Sophie Thatcher, but none of them literally take a bite. Grief helps usher a stalking dark force to a distraught family's door; however, that malevolent presence obviously doesn't share The Babadook's moniker. What can and can't be seen haunts this dimly lit film from Host and Dashcam director Rob Savage, and yet this isn't Bird Box, which co-star Vivien Lyra Blair also appeared in. And a distressed man visits a psychiatrist to talk about his own losses, especially the otherworldly monster who he claims preyed upon his children, just as in Stephen King's 1973 short story also called The Boogeyman — but while this The Boogeyman is based on that The Boogeyman, which then made it into the author's 1978 Night Shift collection that gave rise to a packed closet full of fellow movie adaptations including Children of the Corn, Graveyard Shift and The Lawnmower Man, this flick uses the horror maestro's words as a mere beginning. On the page and the screen alike, Lester Billings (David Dastmalchian, Boston Strangler) seeks therapist Will Harper's (Chris Messina, Air) assistance, reclining on his couch to relay a tragic tale. As the new patient talks, he isn't just shaken and shellshocked — he's a shadow of a person. He's perturbed by what loiters where light doesn't reach, in fact, and by what he's certain has been lurking in his own home. Here, he couldn't be more adamant that "the thing that comes for your kids when you're not paying attention" did come for his. And, the film Lester has chosen his audience carefully, because Will's wife recently died in a car accident, leaving his daughters Sadie (Thatcher) and Sawyer (Blair) still struggling to cope. On the day of this fateful session, the two girls have just returned to school for the first time, only for Sadie to sneak back when her so-called friends cruelly can't manage any sympathy. The Boogeyman is available to stream via Disney+. Read our full review. KNOCK AT THE CABIN Does M Night Shyamalan hate holidays? The twist-loving writer/director's Knock at the Cabin comes hot on the heels of 2021's Old, swapping beach nightmares for woodland terrors. He isn't the only source of on-screen chaos in vacation locations — see also: Triangle of Sadness' Ruben Östlund, plus oh-so-many past horror movies, and TV's The White Lotus and The Resort as well — but making two flicks in a row with that setup is a pattern. For decades since The Sixth Sense made him the Oscar-nominated king of high-concept premises with shock reveals, Shyamalan explored the idea that everything isn't what it seems in our daily lives. Lately, however, he's been finding insidiousness lingering beyond the regular routine, in picturesque spots, when nothing but relaxation is meant to flow. A holiday can't fix all or any ills, he keeps asserting, including in this engaging adaptation of Paul Tremblay's 2018 novel The Cabin at the End of the World. For Eric (Jonathan Groff, The Matrix Resurrections), Andrew (Ben Aldridge, Pennyworth) and their seven-year-old daughter Wen (debutant Kristen Cui), a getaway isn't meant to solve much but a yearning for family time in the forest — and thinking about anyone but themselves while Eric and Andrew don robes, and Wen catches pet grasshoppers, isn't on their agenda. Alas, their rural Pennsylvanian idyll shatters swiftly when the soft-spoken but brawny Leonard (Dave Bautista, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery) emerges from the trees. He says he wants to be Wen's friend, but he also advises that he's on an important mission. He notes that his task involves the friendly girl and her dads, giving them a hard choice yet also no choice at all. The schoolteacher has colleagues, too: agitated ex-con Redmond (Rupert Grint, Servant), patient nurse Sabrina (Nikki Amuka-Bird, Avenue 5) and nurturing cook Adriane (Abby Quinn, I'm Thinking of Ending Things), all brandishing weapons fashioned from garden tools. Knock at the Cabin is available to stream via Netflix and Binge. Read our full review. Looking for more things to watch? Check out our monthly streaming roundup, as well as our rundown of recent cinema releases that've been fast-tracked to digital home entertainment of late.
Arcadia Unbound has a large and incredibly loyal following — and for a good reason. The store has moved locations a few times but owner Garry Einstein has been working in the comic book sphere since the 90s. Incredibly knowledgeable and true fans of the art form, the team at Arcadia Unbound are friendly, approachable and happy to point you in whatever direction your particular tastes take you. The store has a great selection of comics, action figures, trading cards and other pop culture paraphernalia and, most importantly, very reasonable prices. For those who still enjoy physically flicking through comics, Arcadia Unbound is a true gem of find.
Time really must be fleeting because the Rocky Horror Show is celebrating its 50th birthday. Since making its stage debut in 1973 from maestro Richard O'Brien (and a beloved film adaptation in 1975), the show had a meteoric rise in popularity. Now, it's coming to Australia for a 50th anniversary tour in 2023 starting at the Theatre Royal Sydney in February. In case you're among those who haven't had the pleasure of viewing this rock 'n' roll masterpiece: It follows a squeaky-clean young couple who experience car troubles while driving on a remote highway and walk to a nearby castle to find help. Waiting in that castle is a mad scientist, his mad staff and an even madder creation. You've almost certainly heard of it before since the musical alone has had over 30 million viewers worldwide. This run will see Neighbours legend Jason Donovan take the lead as Dr Frank-N-Furter, plus Ethan Jones (9 to 5 The Musical) and Deirdre Khoo (Once) as the couple in question, Brad and Janet. The cast also includes Myf Warhurst as The Narrator, Ellis Dolan (School of Rock) as Eddie/Dr Scott, Darcey Eagle (Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical) as Columbia, Loredo Malcolm (Hamilton) as Rocky and Henry Rollo (Jagged Little Pill the Musical) as Riff Raff. So jump to the left, take a step to the right, and then head to the website to secure tickets — because they're already on sale. If you didn't get the references, you should put this production on your list. The Rocky Horror Show opens in the Theatre Royal Sydney on Tuesday, February 14. Visit the website for more information and to secure tickets.
Pino's Vino e Cucina isn't your average neighbourhood restaurant. Tucked away in the residential backstreets of Alexandria, this venture from Matteo Margiotta (ex-Blackstar Pastry) is an homage to his Italian heritage. The menu features traditional Italian fare with a twist; scallops served with baby gem, prosciutto and cauliflower cream are joined on the antipasti menu by oysters with a watermelon and cabernet sauvignon vinegar sorbet. Handmade pasta dominates the main menu, so you'll want to dine with those who don't mind sharing because picking just one is nearly impossible. You'll also find duck, fish and a one kilo black angus fiorentina ($98) if you're after some protein. Named after Margiotta's father, the eatery strives for a local, family feel and features hanging copper pots that were shipped over from the family house in Rome. Perhaps most compelling is that all the timber used to fit-out the restaurant — most evident in the luxe L-shaped bar that runs the length of the main dining area — was recycled from houses lost to the WestConnex development. Whether you're a resident of Alexandria or not, you'll want to make Pino's your new local.
The Museum of Contemporary Art remains the place to be on the last Friday of the month when MCA ARTBAR takes over the gallery with an adults-only party of art, music, design and performance. Each month is curated by a different artist, making the series an ever-changing yet constant facet in Sydney's after-dark culture scene. For the final ARTBAR of the year, taking place this Friday, November 30, the museum has enlisted Hoda Afshar as curator. The Melbourne-based artist, who primarily works with photography and moving image, is one of the artists featured in this year's Primavera — the MCA's annual exhibition celebrating young Australian talent. The collection of work investigates identity through a social, political and cultural lens — and the Friday night event will delve even further into this theme. Elyas Alavi will kick things off at 7pm with his performance art piece I Wish Grapes Would Ripen, which explores his lived experience as a Hazara refugee. And then, you're free to roam around the museum. Video works from Walter Bakowski on spirituality and Payam Mofidi on political power structures will be interspersed with immersive live performances; Léuli Eshraghi will lead a healing ceremony while Alexandra Talamo explores Latin-American migrant experiences through choreography. You'll also have an opportunity to speak to journalist Behrouz Boochani, who has been detained on Manus Island since 2013, via WhatsApp in real time. And, if all of this art has got your creative juices flowing, there'll be collaborative bookmaking with Isabella Capezio and a portrait drawing workshop with Abdul Abdullah. When you need a breather, head to the terrace for a classic negroni and music from DJ Wael-X, and cheers the end of the work week. Images: Leslie Liu, Sam Whiteside, Jacqui Manning.
If, like us, you're trying your best to ditch single-use plastic, then we have good news — this new company aims to help you do just that. Returnr is a new line of reusable takeaway food packaging that's partnering with restaurants, cafes and Deliveroo locations across Australia. And it wants to help put an end to disposable packing altogether. Created by KeepCup co-founder Jamie Forsyth, the stainless-steel bowls and cups are marketed towards takeaway cafes and restaurants and food delivery services. They are 100-percent recyclable and designed to be regularly reused. And it looks like Forsyth's push toward sustainable food service practices is already working — since launching on a trial basis in Melbourne during late-2018, over 85,000 single-use plastic bowls have purportedly been saved from landfill. Here's how it works: order from a participating restaurant (either in-person or via Deliveroo) and pay a $6 deposit fee for a Returnr bowl or cup. Return the container to a partner venue within the network, and you'll get your deposit back. While Returnr is still in early stages, the product has big plans for the coming months, with a national expansion on the docket and more products launching soon, too. At the moment, there are three participating venues in Sydney (Belles Hot Chicken Barangaroo, Regiment and Lize + Bath), one in Hobart and a whopping 28 in Melbourne (including Hanoi Hannah Elsternwick and Windsor, Belles Hot Chicken CBD and Tokyo Tina) — eight of which are also partnered with Deliveroo. Keep an eye on this space, as we reckon you'll be seeing Returnr in many more CBD locations by the end of 2019. Find Returnr at 34 partner venues across Sydney, Melbourne and Hobart. Keep an eye out for new ones launching soon.
When it comes to the best restaurants in Sydney, top-tier talent abounds. We may be most famous for our beaches and our bridges, but food may just be what we do best. This food-obsessed city of ours has a swag of standout offerings to suit whatever niche cravings you've got going on. But there are some spots that simply reign supreme; places where the food packs a punch, the vibe is never not on point and you fall in love a little more each time you visit. Here, we've rounded up our 20 picks for the cream of the crop — the best restaurants in Sydney. From new players reinventing Sydney's perspective on certain cuisine to long-standing spots that are just as exciting as the day they opened; these are the city's must-visit venues for any discerning food aficionado. Feast on. Recommended reads: The Best Cafes in Sydney The Best Bars in Sydney The Best Wine Bars in Sydney The Best Pubs in Sydney
There is a yin and yang equilibrium to food trends — as our penchant for green smoothies and raw vegan treats grows, a corresponding demand for finger-lickin' fried chicken emerges. It's all about balance. And providing the wings-and-drumsticks side to that balance are places like Belle's Hot Chicken. Belle's set up its first ever home in Melbourne back in 2014, and has since taken poultry fans by storm, with Sydney stores in Barangaroo and Tramsheds. Get stuck into chicken drumsticks ($19), tenders ($20) and and spicy chicken sandwiches ($14.50), or if you're feeling particularly extra, max out with the "Baller Bucket" ($70) complete with sixteen wings and your choice of four sides and four sauces. They also have a killer lineup of drinks, from funky wines and top shelf spirits, to the newly launched boozy slushies and Belles' very own draught beer, created with Adelaide brewers Pirate Life. [caption id="attachment_677689" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nikki To[/caption] Top image: Kitti Gould
The crew behind many of Sydney's top watering holes has turned its attention toward takeaway spirits with a sleek new bottle shop. Barrelhouse Group is the acclaimed hospo team who have previously served up The Duke of Clarence, Hickson House Distilling Co, The Barber Shop — and now, Barrelhouse Cellas, an intimate hybrid bottle-o, tasting room and deli. Carved into the iconic sandstone streets of The Rocks, Barrelhouse Cellars has taken over a historic George Street building. The site was built and operated as The King's Tavern from the 1840s to the early 1900s before being used as The Salvation Army Naval and Military Home, the home of the Tung Wah Times and the base for the NSW Ambulance Service in the years since. In-store, you'll find a huge range of spirits and aperitifs, with special consideration given to local distillers and boundary-pushing makers. Expect the full range of Hickson House gin, plus plenty of craft beers, new-world whiskies, local vodkas and bottled cocktails. Joining the booze is a stack of tasty meats, cheeses and tinned goodies to elevate your night at home. You'll be spoilt for choice — and if you can't reach a decision, there are individual tastings of both the drinks and snacks on offer in order to help you come to the perfect conclusion. Plus, store manager and hospitality veteran Nick Minogue is pulling together themed flights so that you can expand your pallet. Head in on the right day and you'll also be greeted by a series of Meet the Maker sessions. The shop has already hosted its inaugural event, inviting Nashdale Lane in to run a tasting of its cool-climate vino. Keep an eye out on the store's Instagram for future sessions. "The Cellars is the next stage of our longer-term vision for The Rocks," said Barrelhouse Group Founders Julian Train and Mikey Enright. "We wanted to create an accessible, inviting, local bottle shop; drawing on our hospitality experience to add a few features we couldn't find elsewhere. The paved tasting courtyard is particularly special. Come down soon to grab a sip and a bottle." If you can't make it in but you're on the hunt for something particular, check the Barrelhouse Cellars website. The bottle shop offers nationwide delivery and same-day delivery for Sydneysiders. Barrelhouse Cellars is open at 73 George Street, The Rocks. It's open 10am–8pm Monday–Wednesday and Saturday, 10am–9pm Friday and 10am–6pm Sunday.
In 2023, South Eveleigh scored a bustling hub focused on nurturing the needs of its local community, thanks to the 107 Project crew. Situated along Davy Road, this all-encompassing creative centre is the third of its kind to land in Sydney. Following in the footsteps of the 107 Project's previously established locations in Green Square and Redfern, 107 South Eveleigh is home to a range of inclusive, creativity-focused projects. At the forefront of the 107 Project's ethos is the provision of an improved and affordable stomping ground for the locals to enjoy. As a result, the inner-city suburb's sleek precinct hopes to cater to its surrounding community's needs by investing in events and programs focused on accommodating diversity, social equity and artistic expression. In order to achieve this, the hub provides an expansive space to host up to 200 guests for a variety of community-focused initiatives, including community programs, corporate events, exhibitions and cultural festivals. As the not-for-profit organisation's third localised centre, 107 Project has launched this site in partnership with the Social Enterprise Council of NSW, ACT (SECNA) and with support from its neighbours at Commbank, with hopes to operate the site as an open-plan innovation precinct in the near future. Expect to find live music, grassroots theatre, informative workshops and everything in between. Head to the precinct's website to check out what's coming up.
Although it sits outside the CBD, Newtown has everything you could want from a city centre. The inner west suburb — and its bustling bloodline, King Street — is packed with thrift shops, live music venues, pubs, vegan spots, nurseries, rooftop bars and even a cinema. No matter what you enjoy doing in your spare time, Newtown can deliver it — wander through one of the many vintage clothing stores and catch a limited release film at the Dendy, then, when night falls, grab a bottle of pét-nat to take home or join locals and uni students at the pub for a happy hour pint. If there's one thing Newtown has too much of, it's choice. So we've joined forces with American Express to create a guide to the must-visits — the stores that locals love. These eight shops sell everything from vintage Levis to indoor plants, and you can shop small up and down King Street with your Amex Card.
For two decades now, ever since Batman Begins proved such a smash back in 2025, the release of a new Christopher Nolan film has been a big occasion. Indeed, 'big' applies to much about the acclaimed director's approach. His movies are made for the big screen. The response is always huge. With The Odyssey, which releases in 2026, he's also making the first feature entirely shot on IMAX cameras. If you already have Thursday, July 16, 2026 marked on your calendar, then you're clearly keen for the filmmaker's first picture since 2023's Oppenheimer, which won him the Best Director Oscar. Here's another date of importance: Thursday, July 17, 2025. Tickets for The Odyssey at IMAX Melbourne have already gone on sale a year out from the movie's release, and they're already likely to sell out. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Odyssey Movie (@theodysseymovie) IMAX Melbourne is no stranger to showing Nolan's films, or for packing out its cinema while doing so. For The Odyssey, it will also be the only venue in Australia screening the movie on IMAX 1570 film and in the expanded 1.43 aspect ratio. If you haven't been keeping up with news about Nolan's 13th feature, the Memento, Inception, Interstellar, Dunkirk and Tenet director is adapting Homer's epic ancient poem about Odysseus' ten-year journey home to Ithaca after the also ten-year Trojan War. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Odyssey Movie (@theodysseymovie) Matt Damon (The Instigators) is playing Odysseus, Tom Holland (The Crowded Room) is his son Telemachus, and the rest of the cast also includes Zendaya (Challengers), Anne Hathaway (The Idea of You), Lupita Nyong'o (The Wild Robot), Robert Pattinson (Mickey 17), Charlize Theron (The Old Guard 2), Jon Bernthal (The Bear) and plenty more. IMAX Melbourne is one of a handful of IMAX cinemas around the world with tickets for its 70-millimetre sessions now on sale, and the only one in Australia. The Odyssey opens in Australian cinemas, including at IMAX Melbourne, on Thursday, July 16, 2026 — head to the IMAX Melbourne website for tickets.
Maybe Sammy is not only on our list of the best bars in Sydney — it's on just about everyone else's too, including anyone who gives out bar awards. It was named in the top 50 bars in the world in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 — and named the Best Bar in Australasia at The World's 50 Best Bars in all four years. Back in 2019, it was also named the Best International New Cocktail Bar at the 2019 Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards in New Orleans. It was even named the Best International Bar Team at the Tales of the Cocktail 2022 Spirited Awards. The accolades come hard and fast. And it's clear to see why. The team, led by Creative Director Martin Hudak, has created one of the most spectacular cocktail menus — ranging from mini cocktails to the martini trolleys and extra opulent Premium Pours made from some of the finest spirits in the world. Its coffee cocktails are also that extra bit special. There's a total of five different versions, including the classic Espresso Martini made with vodka, Mr Black coffee liqueur and a shot of espresso and the Irish Coffee made from Irish whiskey, Honduras Montecillos coffee, muscovado, honey, almonds and cream — this last one being the perfect dessert cocktail. Head to Maybe Sammy for one of these bad boys after dining elsewhere in The Rocks. And if you want to try Maybe Sammy but don't live in Sydney, it also sends a series of bottled cocktails all over Australia. Go for the Jasmine Negroni, Eucalyptus Gimlet or Chamomile Martini. They also make a great present for your cocktail-loving pals. A team with this many awards isn't going to let you go hungry either. The food menu comes equipped with the expected range of bar snacks done to the highest standard, including Sydney rock oysters, truffled cheese toasties, tinned fish and mortadella focaccia. The Maybe Sammy experience is complete with a fit-out that emulates a high-end hotel bar. Designed by Sydney's LD Studio, the space is opulent, with pink velvet banquettes, gold lamps, brass fittings, marble tiles and lots of indoor plants. You can pop into Maybe Sammy for happy hour and taste your way through the mini cocktails or go full on treat 'yoself by ordering the extra spenny tipples — the likes of which you will not find anywhere else in Australia. Either way, you'll see why the team have won so many local and international bar awards. Drink up. Images: DS Oficina Updated Tuesday, March 21, 2023. Appears in: The Best Bars in Sydney
Sydney's CBD has a new spot for martinis, with Bar Bridge now open on Bridge Street. It's the latest from MUCHO Group, the team behind Cantina OK!, Tio's Cerveceria and Bar Planet. If Bar Planet leans loud and late, Bar Bridge takes a more restrained approach. It's not the group's first swing at a martini-led bar, but it is the most pared-back, debuting as the slightly more demure sibling to its Enmore counterpart, with a tighter focus on classic builds, a slower pace, and a pan-Asian passport. Bar Bridge has taken over the former home of the Double Deuce Lounge, an address long tied to late-night drinking in the CBD. For the venue's latest iteration, MUCHO Group hasn't strayed too far from that brief, stripping the former '70s porno-vibes and replacing them with moody, charcoal-black walls. The drinks list centres on extra-dry martinis, alongside a rotating monthly special (April opens with a Passionfruit Crème Martini, which will be rapidly sketched on your menu to take home as a souvenir) and a tidy lineup of house cocktails. The signature Bridge Martini riffs on a Vesper, swapping vermouth for a house-made, freeze-concentrated Australian brut dubbed 'Tres Sec' to keep things sharp, dry and local. The Citron Martini runs bright with yuzu gin and citrus notes, while the Kimchi Martini shifts savoury, built around oyster shell gin, kimchi seasoning and a seaweed vodka. [caption id="attachment_1090012" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Yuzu cocktail at Bar Bridge, Sydney[/caption] Outside the martini list, the cocktails keep things clean but considered. Concorde blends calvados, raspberry eau de vie and sumac into a fruit-forward sour. The Highlight is lighter, built on honeydew and genmaicha soda, while Stirling brings Scotch, mirin and pineapple together under a soft foam. The space follows suit. Low-lit and compact, it's built for the long-haul sessions with leather booths finished with carriage-style privacy screens, candlelight and flashes of red fabric skirting light sconces. Oh, and novelty-sized penguins fitted to the walls. We know martinis hit hard, so don't forget to stock up on the group's signature complimentary popcorn, here reworked with nori for a sweet-salty hit. Bar Bridge is open Tuesday to Saturday, with a 4–6pm happy hour pouring $13 martinis and $7 lagers. Bookings are available, but walk-ins are welcome, especially if you're just dropping in for one that turns into a few. Images: supplied
For a long time, Marrickville has been yearning for a good bar. In fact, even just a bar. In all other food and drink respects, the suburb excels, with hip cafes, cheap Vietnamese pork rolls and swanky restaurants. Now, come to join the mix, is LazyBones Lounge and, luckily, it's not just any old bar, it's a great one. The locals think so as well. LazyBones only opened three months ago and business has been booming ever since. The bar is open seven nights a week, with live jazz music starting around the 7pm mark most evenings. Don't worry about forking too much out for the night; most of the gigs will only set you back $10, and many are even free. Owner Craig Pietersen has brought his expertise from Melbourne, where he owned a number of hip bars in Fitzroy. LazyBones is "all about music", he says, so it's no surprise that the bar's name was inspired by a Fats Waller song. There are no TVs or gambling in the bar; the Lounge is a place for people to relax a good drink while some funky tunes pump through the sound system. You'll be rapt to find - or discover - the Young Henry's Real Ale ($7) on tap, alongside a delicious Indian Pale Ale from Parramatta ($7) and a cider which is on permanent rotation. The Funny Label sauvignon blanc ($8) is the standout of the wine list, which brings together a solid selection of Australian and international wines. There's not a hugely substantial food menu on hand, but it does include some good staples to munch on. It's a somewhat surreal experience to sit in a lavish, gilded armchair while chomping on a hot dog ($10). One can choose from such aptly-named variations as the 'James Morrison' (beef sausage), 'Louis Armstrong' (pork sausage) or the 'B.B. King' (vegetarian sausage). The highlight of the menu is the Bunny Chow ($10), a traditional street food dish from Craig's homeland, South Africa. Served in a paper bowl, aside thin and crispy fries, is a small, hollowed-out roll filled with your choice of tasty spicy lamb or potato curry. Don't fret about finding a babysitter, as LazyBones opens its arms to young'uns, from newly born to those just under the drinking limit (although they won't get away with being served any alcohol, of course!). "We love kids," says Craig, who has three of his own. So, as we see it, there's no excuse not to pop into LazyBones for a drink sometime soon.
If there's one summer drink that never goes out of style, it's the margarita. With its salted rim and smooth tequila, it's the ultimate warm-weather classic, made for long afternoons with friends. To celebrate that feeling, Tequila Herradura (which has been crafting tequila for 150 years) is teaming up with some of Australia's favourite bars to put their unique spins on the classic cocktail. Below, find venues across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to enjoy the summer of margaritas before the season departs. Sydney Tios Cerveceria Described as Surry Hills' home of tequila, Tios Cerveceria offers a curated margarita menu designed for long summer nights. There are hundreds of agave-based tipples available to choose from, including their beloved $10 house marg, and each drink comes with a free bag of perfectly spiced popcorn. With multiple flavours on offer, margarita connoisseurs will be in heaven. Cantina OK! Described as a "micro mezcal mecca", Cantina OK! is a must-take pilgrimage for margarita fans. With a highly curated menu, Cantina OK! is a hole-in-the-wall in the centre of the city, stocking hand-sourced and hand-imported agave spirits. Enjoy their famous margaritas, served over hand-shaved ice with fresh limes. Delicious. [caption id="attachment_1071716" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mark Sherborne[/caption] Uncanny Bar Known for its inventive cocktail list, King Street's Uncanny Bar is family-run and serves one of Sydney's most unique margaritas: The Julio Ricter, which comes complete with a za'atar rim. If you're looking for a margarita with a sharp twist, head to Uncanny in Newtown. [caption id="attachment_1071713" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mark Sherborne[/caption] Monica Rooftop For margaritas with a view, head to Monica Rooftop at 25hours Hotel The Olympia in Paddington. With its elevated setting and high-energy atmosphere, it's built for sunset drinks in the city. Enjoy share-style plates with your friends and sip on Monica's Picante Margarita, featuring fermented jalapeño, lime, and habanero bitters. Melbourne [caption id="attachment_1071726" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dylan Kindermann[/caption] George on Collins A CBD crowd-pleaser with a slick fit-out, George on Collins is a modern Asian fusion restaurant and a reliable spot for a margarita. Expect a polished take on the cocktail that suits long lunches, after-work drinks, and pre-dinner date aperitifs. Bar Ampere Looking for a late-night haunt this summer? Bar Ampere, a Parisian-inspired cocktail bar in Russel Place, is serving margaritas until 3am. It's take on the classic drink leans more sophisticated than sunny, but it's a great late-night option for those long, spontaneous summer nights. Repeat Offender Down in Elwood, Repeat Offender is a neighbourhood favourite that's known for good cocktails without the fuss. Their margarita menu alone is a page long, so you know you'll find something that will hit the spot. Pair your margarita with Repeat Offender's delicious Mexican-inspired dishes. Brisbane [caption id="attachment_1071763" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Adrian McConnell[/caption] The Alligator Club If you find yourself in Fortitude Valley thirsty for a marg, head to The Alligator Club. The late-night hot spot plays live music every single night and serves bar snacks, including pinza (hand-pressed pizza), alongside a mean margarita. It's one of the Valley's best after-dark hangouts. [caption id="attachment_1071760" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Adrian McConnell[/caption] Stratton Bar & Kitchen Situated in two World War II hangars in Newstead, Stratton Bar & Kitchen blends laid-back Brisbane dining with a comprehensive drinks list. Don't go past their coconut marg, which features their own signature coconut salt rim. It's a venue designed for group catch-ups and fun nights out. [caption id="attachment_1071758" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Adrian McConnell[/caption] CRU Bar & Cellar Not all margaritas should be drunk in dingy bars. CRU Bar & Cellar in Brisbane's trendy James Street is a go-to for an elevated margarita that hits the sweet spot. The restaurant offers both a multi-course dining experience and afternoon cocktails and snacks if you're after something lighter. Whether you like your margaritas with some spice or in an elevated dining setting, the Summer of Margs is your excuse to try some of Australia's favourites. Find a venue to experience a Tequila Herradura margarita. 18+. Please drink responsibly.
As Parramatta continues its rapid transformation into Sydney's second CBD, it now has an incredible spot where visitors can admire soaring views. Named the Dixon Park Escarpment Lookout, this picturesque locale was once an unused piece of parkland waiting for the right opportunity to come along. Set opposite Parramatta Quay on a perfectly positioned clifftop, this choice perspective captures the ever-changing skyline and panoramas stretching along the Parramatta River. Situated at Stewart Street Reserve on the northern side of the river, the new lookout features a modern cantilevered platform designed with safety and accessibility in mind. Featuring comfy seating, paved pathways, all-new landscaping and communal gathering spaces, the $1.4 million development hopes to promote easygoing relaxation, celebration, reflection and enjoyment in a picture-perfect setting. "Some of the world's most visited cities have spectacular viewing points and now Parramatta has joined the list with our new lookout providing panoramic views of our city and the river stretching from Gasworks Bridge to Lennox Bridge," says Cr Martin Zaiter, City of Parramatta Lord Mayor. Just the latest update to take place in Parramatta, the Dixon Park Escarpment Lookout adds to a flurry of building activity in the area. Adding to the Escarpment Boardwalk and the recently completed Charles Street Square and Parramatta Quay, the city's forward-thinking approach has seen these projects take home a fistful of landscape design and architectural awards recently. "Parramatta is one of Sydney's fastest growing LGAs and it is vital that open space areas such as Dixon Park are supported so the local community have a place to relax and play," says Paul Scully, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces. "This project has breathed much-needed life into what was previously an under-utilised reserve and will directly benefit more than 2,100 homes located within a 10-minute walk of the new lookout." With the lookout adding an exciting new element to this little-visited spot, transforming such a space into a scenic cultural destination helps make the community all the more vibrant. Whether you're keen to snap a few shots for your Insta or need of a stunning wedding photography location that hasn't been done to death, expect visitors from near and far to flock to this spot for sunrises, sunsets and celebratory fireworks. The Dixon Park Escarpment Lookout is found near the Stewart Street entrance. Head to the website for more information. Images: Jason Nichols
If your breakfast game is in need of a little shake-up, you'll find yourself in excellent hands at Pyrmont's Quick Brown Fox. Continuing to infuse Sydney's cafe scene with some fresh ideas, the eatery is dishing up tried-and-true classics alongside a slew of crafty, contemporary creations. Many ingredients are made in-house, too, while the remainder are sourced locally. An all-day menu features dishes like sardines on toast and a Korean fried chicken waffle, as well as a congee of Koshihikari rice that's finished with a chilli fried egg, glazed speck, spring onion and XO sauce. Even the standard smashed avo has been reimagined, here with a poached egg, crispy tofu and yuzu-infused sesame. At lunch, you'll sit down to the likes of an impressive roast chicken with couscous and tabouli or a flank steak served medium with béarnaise and shaved taro crisps. The cheeseburger with fries with grass-fed beef comes with cheese, mustard, ketchup and pickles. You also have a choice of brunch cocktails at Quick Brown Fox (espresso martinis, bloody marys, mimosas, negronis and spritzes) and a compact list of Australian wines. Appears in: Where to Find the Best Breakfast in Sydney
Lune's croissants are the stuff of culinary legend, spoken about with such breathless reverence that it's little wonder on its opening weekend, the bakery's first Sydney outpost was inundated by hundreds of Sydneysiders, who stood in line for hours to get their hands on one of the eight signature and four seasonal treats on offer. Be warned, however, after patiently queuing for your chance to bite into one of the world's most coveted baked goods, you may be stricken by choice paralysis. Sure, you could go HAM (and gruyere) and buy one of everything, but with a cost of living crisis still clutching at our collective purse strings, this pastry-palooza is likely beyond most budgets. To help you navigate the delights that Lune has finally gifted Sydney, we visited the new Rosebery croissanterie to taste and rate all its wares. Here's what we made of Lune's eight always-on classic pastries — ranked. 8: The Croissant It takes a team of chefs — who train for a year to be worthy of entering Lune's trademark temperature-controlled, glass-enclosed kitchens — three days to prepare the butter-enriched puff that is the foundation of all Lune's pastries. While a plain scroll may not offer much variety of flavour, the interplay of textures found in Lune's OG bake is what makes it the king of croissants. A delicate, paper-thin shell, glossy and lightly glazed, offers a pleasing crunch that immediately gives way to a pillow-soft interior with just the right balance of density and lightness. The all-important butter, sourced from Northern French dairy Isigny Saint-Mère, is painstakingly laminated between each layer of pastry to give this croissant a rich creaminess that's hard to fault. However, we suggest you enjoy it with a good-quality jam or preserve, rather than au naturale. 7: The Morning Bun Ostensibly a cinnamon scroll, albeit made from puff pastry, the addition of brown sugar and orange zest offers a hint of breakfast to this otherwise decadent bun. The outer layers of pastry become coated in crystalised sugar in the oven, while the cinnamon and spice within retain a delightful fudginess. A word of caution: this is one for the sweet tooths. If you'd rather not start your day with dessert, the Morning Bun may not be the best addition to your breakfast table. 6: Lemon Curd Cruffin Perhaps the most impressive feat of Lune's various bakes is the judicious restraint and careful balance of flavours, always hitting the bullseye between too much and not enough. The Lemon Curd Cruffin, however, is an outlier in this respect. An almost too-generous dollop of house-made lemon curd bursts from within with the first bite. A liberal dusting of caster sugar sands down the edges of this cheek-tightening tartness, creating a satisfying tug-o-war between the sweet and sour, but this bold sucker punch of flavours may be more than some breakfast-seekers bargain for. 5: Ham and Gruyere Croissant As mentioned above, balance is a hallmark of Lune's creations and this is certainly true of the first savoury bake in these rankings. Unlike the sandwich-style ham and cheese croissants you'll find in most high street cafes, Lune bakes the eponymous ingredients into the scroll, allowing the fat and salt of the ham and cheese to infuse the pastry with even greater depth of flavour. Because a croissant is already laden with fat from butter, the amount of Swiss gruyere and shaved leg ham used at Lune, both sourced from Melbourne's Hagens Organics, could seem a little on the stingy side. However, those fears are quickly assuaged once you take a bite, and the salty edge of the molten gruyere and tinge of sweetness from the ham meld with the rich, rounded finish of the puff. 4: Pain au Chocolat Another key to Lune's success is the uncompromising calibre of the ingredients used. One of just 15 official partners worldwide, Lune's pain au chocolat features Valrhona chocolate, sourced from France. Given its higher than average sugar content, not much chocolate is needed to flavour Lune's take on this popular breakfast treat. Whereas some lesser versions lean too heavily on the filling, creating more of a chocolat au pain, Lune is careful to keep the spotlight firmly fixed on its extraordinary pastry, with a subtler yet still essential use of chocolate. 3: Vegemite and Cheese Scroll Full disclosure: I am not a fan of Vegemite. So it was quite a surprise to not only tolerate this pastry but really love it. Again, this all comes down to the precision of flavour, which given the pungent extremes of Australia's national spread is no mean feat. Rather than slathering it on straight from the jar, Lune goes to the trouble of mellowing it with a béchamel sauce. The addition of the Swiss gruyere creates a flawless combination of saltiness, sweetness and umami that even the most ardent Vegemite hater will gladly gobble up. 2: Almond Croissant Twice baked to ensure the croissant isn't overly saturated by the almond frangipane, Lune's virtuosic take on the original Croissant aux Amandes uses the addition of almond meal and a punky mohawk of flaked almond slices to amp up the earthy, rich nuttiness that is so often overwhelmed by sweetness. The richness of the dough, the rustic quality of the frangipane and the expert balance of flavours make this, by quite some margin, the best almond croissant I've ever tasted. 1: Kouign Amann There's a good chance that you've never heard of this traditional pastry from the Bretagne region of France: a puff pastry wheel laminated with sugar and baked in a mould lined with butter, sugar and salt, until saturated and caramelised. I'll admit, before my trip to Lune, I hadn't either. However, this sticky, syrupy, disk of golden, glazed joy will be living rent-free in my mind for the foreseeable future. This is an example of how the simplest list of ingredients can be turned into something truly transformative in the right hands. It's sweet, but not overly saccharine, chewy but with a crème brûlée-esque outer shell, delicate yet rich — a magic trick that is far greater than the sum of its parts. Pro tips for visiting Lune Rosebery Expect to queue — no matter what day it is Even at 7.30am on a Wednesday, I had to wait in line for 45 minutes before reaching the counter, and that wait time considerably increases at the weekend peak. Almost as impressive as the pastries themselves is the rapid-fire yet always friendly service of the Lune team, who take turns taking orders in quick succession to keep things moving as swiftly as possible. It's a well-oiled machine, but lines at Lune are inevitable — sure, the Lune-acy in Sydney may be at its maximum right now, given how recently the bakery opened, but the lines that continue to snake down the street at Lune's Fitzroy outpost in Melbourne are a good indication that the Harbour City's croissant craze is unlikely to wane any time soon. Don't set your heart on anything While Lune produces croissants in their thousands every day, there is no guarantee that after your lengthy wait in line, the exact bake you're craving will be available. Fortunately, there isn't a dud among them so even if your first preference is sold out, you'll still be leaving with a world-class pastry in hand. Check out the seasonal bakes While the classics are a must-try collection, Lune's rotating seasonal varieties are some of their most creative, intriguing and delicious bakes. So be sure to save some room for them after you're done scoffing the signatures. If you need help choosing, just ask the staff The Lune service team are impressively well-versed in the provenance of the produce, the details of the cooking techniques and the history of the business, so if you have any burning questions, you'll find answers quickly and with a smile. Come for croissants, stay for the coffee With beans roasted by Marrickville's Ona, Lune brews a mean cup of joe. And nothing goes better with a freshly baked breakfast pastry than a good coffee. Find Lune Croissanterie at 115/151 Dunning Ave, Rosebery, open from December 7. For more details visit the Lune Rosebery website.
Things are looking bright in the centre of Australia — not only thanks to Uluru's stunning Field of Light installation, which has been illuminating the Red Centre for the past two years, but also courtesy of the annual Parrtjima – A Festival In Light. When the latter first kicked off back in 2016, it became the nation's first Indigenous festival of its kind and unveiled the country's biggest-ever light installation. Now it's back for another luminous outing in 2018. Taking place between September 28 and October 7 at the Alice Springs Desert Park, Parrtjima – A Festival in Light returns with its another big feat: its biggest program yet. The focal point is the fest's ten nights of light installations, all crafted by Aboriginal artists and set against the MacDonnell Ranges. Attendees can feast their eyes on a light show that spans along more than two kilometres of the land mass, with this year's theme "from sunset to sunrise" — or walk across projections on the desert sands, wander among large-scale sculptures and mosey through a tunnel of light. An interactive experience also allows visitors to select a series of colours, then see their choices brighten up the bush using more than 500 LEDs. In addition, this year's event will also feature a second showcase of light in the Todd Mall, complete with a new installation about the area's caterpillar dreaming stories. It forms part of the festival's second hub, with curator Rhoda Roberts' program of music, film, dance performances and talks spread across the festival's two sites. Music-wise, that includes headliners Electric Fields, who'll play against the stunning scenic backdrop of the MacDonnell Ranges. The Tinkerbee Dancers lead the dance component, while a nightly cinema program will showcase local and national filmmakers. And for those so entranced by the lights — understandably — that they want to know more, Parrtjima's Behind the Lights session will feature Roberts, the festival's lighting designer Richard Neville and AGB Events project director Rodney Cambridge chatting about their glowing creations. The 2018 event marks Parrtjima's third instalment — and while it'll be back for a fourth in 2019, it's heading to a new timeslot. If you're planning a trip next year rather than this year, mark April 5–14 in your calendars. Parrtjima – A Festival in Light runs from September 28 to October 7 in the Alice Springs Desert Park, Alice Springs, Northern Territory. For more information, visit the festival website.
Why should all the fancy drinks be relegated to nights out? That is what a bunch of Sydney's beverage buffs sought to rectify when they opened P&V Wine and Liquor. P&V (short for piss and vinegar, in case you were wondering) is the latest project by a group of Sydney's foremost beverage connoisseurs: Lou Dowling of Mary's, wine expert and journalist Mike Bennie (who also advised Noma's wine list and co-founded Rootstock) and Jake Smyth and Kenny Graham (both of Mary's, The Lansdowne and The Unicorn). Its focus is on sourcing and selling small-batch beverages including organic wines, local beer and bespoke spirits - the kind of drinks you swoon over at a bar but can never find at your local bottle'o. Local bar favourites like Earl's Juke Joint and Bloodwood produce cocktails that are sold by the litre. Plus you can pick up a TV dinner, crafted by the Mary's crew, for when your evening plans consist solely of Netflix and fill(-your-tummy-with-delicious-treats). [caption id="attachment_737558" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Trent van der Jagt[/caption] Images: Trent van der Jagt.
Sydney's 120-year-old Queen Victoria Building has long been a haven of decadence, but it has taken things up a notch with the launch of its luxurious new bar. Since late March, the CBD shopping precinct is now home to a Champagne bar, Reign at the QVB. And in a win for that part of the city, it's open late, right up till 2am. A vision of marble, brass and musk pink, Reign is a regal sort of spot, taking over the space once home to the level one ABC store. It pours a sprawling selection of over 150 Champagnes and sparkling wines, with plenty of bubbly tasting flights on offer, alongside signature cocktails like the De Nonancourt: a blend of vodka, fig liqueur, cucumber and Champagne syrup. The snack menu is very broad and covers all bases, from the refined (plates of oysters, duck liver mousse and steak tartare) to the two-handed (meatball and cheese sliders and an okonomiyaki burger) to the straight-up late-night eat variety (dumplings and pork fried rice). Reign opens from 11am each day, surely to cater to post-shopping snacks and business lunches. Best of all, it still kicks on late, open for eats and drinks right up until 2am Thursday through Sunday. The venue is overseen by a team of hospitality guns, including Matthew Beaumont as Group General Manager of Beverage (The Star, Merivale), Damien Worthington (QT Hotels, The Winery) in the role of Executive Chef and Fabio Nistrio (Sokyo at The Star, Bambini Trust Restaurant & Wine Room) heading up the tightly curated drinks program. Images: Damian Flanagan.
Across four seasons of Stranger Things so far, entering a rift to the Upside Down hasn't transported anyone Down Under. But jumping into the hit Netflix series' world keeps proving a reality in Australia — first via one of those portals popping up in Bondi back in 2022, and next courtesy of Stranger Things: The Experience, which has just locked in its Aussie debut at Luna Park Sydney as part of Vivid's 2025 program. Luna Park Sydney and immersive experiences based on Netflix shows keep going hand in hand of late; from the end of 2024, the Harbour City tourist attraction also hosted Squid Game: The Experience, letting small-screen fans dive into another streaming smash. Stranger Things: The Experience will run from Friday, May 23–Saturday, June 14. The must-attend event falls into the Ideas portion of Vivid's lineup. Get ready to visit 1986 — and also Hawkins, Indiana, of course — in what promises to be an interactive stint of Stranger Things-loving fun. Locations from the show are part of the setup, as is a supernatural mystery. And yes, you can expect to feel nostalgic, even if you don't have your own memories of the 80s because you hadn't been born yet. Stranger Things: The Experience isn't just about visiting recreations of settings that you've seen while watching Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown, The Electric State) and the gang. The installation features its own storyline, where playing along means trying to save Hawkins from yet another threat. And yes, you will take a trip to the Upside Down. You'll also be able to drink themed cocktails. Based on its time in other cities, Demogorgons and/or Vecna might await, too, along with Christmas lights, Scoops Ahoy and Surfer Boy Pizza. The experience initially opened in New York in 2022, and has enjoyed dates with Los Angeles, San Francisco, Atlanta, Seattle, Toronto, London, Paris and São Paulo since, with a Rio de Janeiro stint also on the way. Hanging out for new Stranger Things back in your Netflix queue? That's due to happen in 2025, when the show's fifth and final series arrives — although there's no exact release date as yet.
Chatswood just scored a big infusion of contemporary Chinese flavour, with elegant newcomer Mama Mulan opening its doors this week. Located in The Concourse, the 180-seater makes quite the impression, with its restaurant, bar and private dining areas boasting striking interiors by creative agency DS17. To match the polished, modern aesthetic, the kitchen is dishing up a culinary exploration of China, delivered through a mix of traditional techniques and new-school flair. Chef Marble Ng (Lotus, Chef's Gallery) has pulled together an approachable menu full of tightly executed dishes from a range of Chinese provinces. Wok-fried lobster is dressed in the restaurant's secret Szechuan sauce, dandan noodle soup is made with noodles hand-pulled before your eyes and roasted lamb ribs are cooked Mongolian style. The addition of duck drives a san choi bao into modern territory, while the Mama Mulan fried rice is supercharged with asparagus, wagyu beef and XO sauce. If you decide to look to the tanks for inspiration, pick out a live mud (or snow) crab and order it typhoon shelter-style, piled high with dried chilli and black beans. Headlining the dessert offering is a range of signature fried ice cream flavours, created in collaboration with Sydney's famed dessert masters, Duo Duo. A hefty selection of Chinese booze, clever cocktails and international beer rounds out the fun. Mama Mulan is now open at Level 1, The Concourse, Chatswood.
Year after year, creatives, storytellers, thinkers, and inspirational figures from around the world descend upon Sydney for one very special event. The Sydney Writers' Festival, a short but very sweet celebration of the best and brightest minds and the words they've created. It's on its way back for 2026, and now we know exactly what we can expect from the five-day program of over 200 events and 250+ participating guests. This year's theme, Show Me the Truth, is a dive into truth and trust in written and spoken media amid overwhelming uncertainty. As Sydney Writers' Festival Artistic Director Ann Mossop explains, "Writers bring the truth to life in many different ways, whether it is in a novel that transports us to another time and place or in rigorous journalism that reflects the current moment." [caption id="attachment_1081033" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Jacquie Manning[/caption] "We'll explore important questions about the future of democracy and the impact of AI on the arts and culture, but we'll also celebrate a major anniversary for one of Australia's favourite cookbooks and the joys of Dav Pilkey's Captain Underpants. The SWF program opens up a space for writers and readers to explore books, ideas and storytelling in all of their variety and richness," Mossop adds. Headlining this year's festival are a number of notable voices. International bestsellers like R.F. Kuang (Katabasis), Mick Herron (Slow Horses) and Patrick Radden Keefe (London Falling) will unpack their latest works, while global voices of change and truth like former NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales will examine their lives and legacies live on stage. [caption id="attachment_1081031" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Jacquie Manning[/caption] Booker Prize-winning and shortlisted authors such as David Szalay (Flesh), Susan Choi (Flashlight), Yann Martel (Life of Pi), Roddy Doyle (The Women Behind the Door), Amitav Ghosh (The Nutmeg's Curse), Tayari Jones (Kin) and S.A. Cosby (King of Ashes) will all discuss the inspirations of and truths within their latest works. On the events front, the creator of an Australian classic, Dav Pilkey (Captain Underpants, Dog Man) will draw his characters live on stage in a live and antics-filled event. Journalists Lorena Allam, Avani Dias, Lyse Doucet, Anton Enus, Kate McClymont and Patrick Radden Keefe gather for The Story That Changed My Life to discuss the stories that changed their careers forever, while Brave Conversations: When Words Offend will unite journalists and storytellers for a panel on the role of disagreements in democracy. [caption id="attachment_1081034" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Jacquie Manning[/caption] After Bondi will see four writers and host Michaela Kalowski reflect on grief, solidarity and resilience after the Bondi terrorist attack. Big Histories will bring together Amitav Ghosh, Luke Kemp and Clare Wright to re-examine the fundamental grand narratives of human history. Great Adaptations will offer an insight into how stories move from page to screen, and The Future of Truth will pair Barbara Demick, A.C. Grayling, Jimmy Wales and Toby Walsh in a discussion on how trust can be rebuilt in the age of misinformation, AI and information overload. The full program goes on and on, from returning favourite events like the SWF Great Debate and the opening gala to Australia-wide and international authors and celebrations of First Nations and queer voices in the writing world. You can visit the SWF website to browse every event and plan your perfect festival run, with over 55 free events making it as accessible as it is insightful. [caption id="attachment_1081032" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Jacquie Manning[/caption] Sydney Writers' Festival will take place at venues across the city from Sunday, May 17–May 24, tickets go on sale at 10am on Saturday, March 14. For the full program or more information, visit the website. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox.
It was in 2017 that Paddo Inn reopened alongside other Oxford Street greats like The Unicorn, The Paddington and The Light Brigade. The Paddo mainstay received a new lick of paint and a new lease on life. Ownership now rests in the hands of Sydney venue group Solotel, the company behind venues like North Bondi Fish, Aria and The Sheaf. The old front bar of the Paddo Inn was renovated into a bar and casual dining spot, with a more formal eatery out the back. But we're here for the full shebang, so we head down into the lovely dining room designed by George Livissianis, who is also responsible for the redesign of The Dolphin in Surry Hills and Matt Moran's Aria. Visually, it's exactly what you want from a contemporary pub bistro — high ceilings, painted brick, wood and marble textures with a casual elegance. The open kitchen looks fresh and well-appointed, and the menu too is instantly appealing, with a good number of dishes and interesting flavour combinations. The room is packed with upwardly mobile locals and industry folk, a crowd that gets busy even on quieter weeknights. The food matches that contemporary design flavour with a selection of Italian dishes from Il Baretto, which operates out of the back of the venue. Starters are light in style but heavy on the seafood with the likes of insalate di polpo (octopus salad with butter beans and salsa verde) and yellowfin tuna carpaccio with broad bean dressing and sugar snap peas. The mains are straightforward, with a Caesar salad, chicken schnitzel and sirloin steak on offer — things get more diverse when you inspect the seven choices of pasta. Shoutouts have to go to the wine list, which is compact, thoughtful and food-friendly, with a great selection of red, white, sparkling, rosé, natural and low-to-no options. And cocktails are, of course, an option, with all the classics plus signatures like the pesto smash (Hendrick's Gin, almond, lime, basil) and vanilla and fennel Cuban (Bacardi Spiced Rum, pickled fennel, lime). Images: Byron Martin for PADDO(Collective)
Think of Box Hill's cuisine, and you'll most likely picture the best Chinese food in Melbourne. With its large Asian population, the Eastern suburb is a mecca for world-class noodles, soups and dumplings. But, after living in Box Hill for over a decade, hospitality veteran Sam Hatherley identified a gap in his neighbourhood and, in 2024, opened the cafe and bistro, UNA UNA. "Can you imagine a hidden bistro tucked under an apartment building in Box Hill, run by ex-hatted restaurant staff? We wanted to bring something fresh," Sam says. "[UNA UNA has] modern European-style, semi-fine-dining dishes with seasonal menus and thoughtful, unhurried service." Local Influence To ease into the suburb and build rapport with locals, Sam launched UNA UNA as a cafe by day, serving focaccia sandwiches, coffee, and specialty drinks and a bistro by night on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. "For many of our bistro customers, their first experience was actually trying our sandwiches. It's a great way to connect with the neighbourhood during the day, give people a chance to get to know us, and create a natural introduction to the bistro experience in the evenings." For nearly a century, Box Hill was deemed a dry zone. A hangover from Australia's temperance movement, the laws required residents to vote for a liquor licence to be granted to a new restaurant or venue, with residents facing fines if they failed to vote. As a result, Sam found that there was a gap for a bistro that offers quality cocktails and a relaxed drinking experience. The cocktail menu at UNA UNA is just that. Simple yet refined, reflecting Sam's 20 years of experience, including a stint in Japan. During the day, guests can sip from hand-shaken Italian Whipped Coffee Cream, Whipped Orange Coffee, and house-made Almond Lemon Soda and Walnut Cola. The specialty drinks are creative and refreshing, crafted with the same care and attention as the evening cocktails. From Little Things Like many people in hospitality, Sam always dreamt of opening his own place. "Nothing huge, just a small spot that really felt like me." The seeds of UNA UNA becoming a reality first emerged during COVID, when Sam stepped away from the fast-paced, relentless industry where he worked as a chef and bartender to become a stay-at-home dad. "I loved working in hatted restaurants and bars, but the pace is intense, and most nights I'd be getting home around 2 am," Sam reflects. "I realised I wanted to be more present for my family, and if I didn't start the bistro I'd been imagining for years, I might never do it. It just felt like the right moment to finally build something of my own." The result is restaurant-quality food in a casual bistro setting. "With the rising cost of living, people are more cautious about spending, so I didn't want UNA UNA to be a fine-dining restaurant with a big price tag." Instead, UNA UNA keeps it personal. Comprising of just four tables and a casual lounge area, Sam wanted to ensure that everyone could be looked after properly. For UNA UNA's menu, Sam says it had to be simple, classic, and free from gimmicks — no edible flowers or smoke gun just for Instagram. The Spring Dinner Menu was recently launched, featuring dishes such as Tuna Crudo, Chargrilled Calamari, Lamb Katsu, Tête de Moine, and the signature Roasted Duck Breast. "Our menu is simple but ambitious," says Sam. "We change it every three to four months to reflect what's in season and what's available at the markets. Box Hill has amazing fresh vegetables, meat, and fish stalls, so we make the most of that, keeping everything fresh, local, and full of flavour." At its core, UNA UNA is a reflection of its neighbourhood. Sam's 14-year-old son can often be found helping out on weekends, greeting customers and making coffees. His daughter, Una, tells her friends and teachers about "her coffee shop". "We want UNA UNA to be a place where people can come together — enjoy good food and drinks, and feel part of the community as the neighbourhood grows. It feels like one big extended family," says Sam. "UNA UNA is still young and evolving, and there are so many possibilities ahead — much like my kids, learning and growing every day." Visit UNA UNA. Image credit: UNA UNA
Welcome to Vinabar, an intimate new bar tucked away in the laneways of Kent Street in Sydney's CBD. Seating just 32 imbibers, the small-format drinking establishment has taken inspiration from the nightlife and bar culture of Vietnam. Co-owners Reymark Tesalona and Ashwin Arumugam conceived the micro bar as a tribute to their shared experiences travelling together throughout Vietnam and Southeast Asia. Both owners are of Southeast Asian background — and the influence comes through at every element, from the bespoke interior to the cocktail ingredients. The bar is hidden behind a facade designed to resemble a banh mi street cart. Make your way through the steel door and you'll find a cluster of luminous silk lanterns (imported especially from Hoi An) descending from the ceiling, sleek black marble table tops, and bar shelving made from a replica design of the Golden Hand Bridge from central Vietnam coastal city Da Nang. [caption id="attachment_934459" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Vinabar owners Reymark Tesalona and Ashwin Arumugam[/caption] Clever interior detail aside, at Vinabar the cocktail list is the real star. The signature 'Vinagroni' is the bar's unique take on the classic negroni, topped with a dehydrated starfruit as the garnish so the drink resembles the Vietnamese flag. Another stand out is a cocktail featuring cognac, pineapple, coconut and a mint and pandan foam created with a whipped cream charger, aptly titled 'Da Nang'. As you might have gathered, the entire concept is very much rooted in storytelling. Tesalona explains, "Being able to cater to such a diverse audience in a confined space allows us to translate our lived experiences into something tangible and memorable. Our cocktails transcend all barriers, be it cultural, age, ethnicity, gender – giving us a medium to tell a story by using all our human senses, not just taste." Oh and Vinabar is open seven days a week until 2am so add it to your list of bars for late night capers. Vinabar is now open at Shop 1, 332 Kent Street, Sydney. Visit the venue's website to stay up to date.
Although we've been out and about for a while now, for many of us a night out with the crew is still overdue. Thankfully our fair city has plenty of top-notch bars to hit, including a heap of new venues that are well worth checking out. But that doesn't exactly make it easy when it comes to picking the ideal spot. We've teamed up with The Rocks to help you prep for your next night out with mates. Whether you're after pints on a rooftop with superb Sydney Opera House views or keen to be some of the first punters in a soon-to-open distillery, these harbourside haunts will not disappoint. It's time to round up the gang and hightail it to the historic CBD precinct for a cold one and plenty of good times. HICKSON HOUSE DISTILLING CO Hickson House Distilling Co is the latest offering from the crew behind much-loved haunts The Duke of Clarence and The Barber Shop, so you just know it's gonna be good. For the soon-to-open venue, the boys (Mikey Enright and Julian Train) have shifted the focus to all things distillation and brought ex-Manly Spirits legend Tim Stones on board. Set to open soon, the 450-square-metre distillery will house a bar, kitchen and mezzanine cocktail lounge, as well as distilling vats filled with gins, whiskies, aperitifs and specialist liquors that are all made on site. Once it swing open its doors, you can head on a tour to learn about history, processes and, of course, do some tasting. Or, simply sip a cocktail in the New York-style loft bar. THE GLENMORE Chances are you've hit up this heritage-listed pub at least once in your life. The three-storey, historic hotel features a smartly refurbished cocktail bar with some of the best harbour views in towns, making it a crowd-pleaser among locals and tourists alike. The interiors ooze classic Aussie pub charm (but with some modern accents) and it has a decent selection of brews, too. Hungry? The kitchen serves up good ol' fashioned pub grub like fish and chips, steaks, burgers and schnitzels. Whatever sort of night out you're after, kick things off on this rooftop for a couple of sundowners is always a good idea. [caption id="attachment_832072" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Steven Woodburn[/caption] FRANK MAC'S Fans of subterranean whisky bar The Doss House will be pleased to hear that the same team is at the helm of this slick new gin emporium. The 120-seater boasts over 100 different varieties of the juniper liquor, both local and imported. Like many bars and pubs in The Rocks, Frank Mac's is housed in a heritage-listed sandstone building, with its interiors charmingly accentuated with old-world charm. It's also got a courtyard, so be sure to head here for a sunset cocktail or two, stat. TAP ROOMS If beer is your thing then be sure to hit up the Tap Rooms on your next night out in The Rocks. This brewpub serves up approachable, sessionable froths alongside hearty gastropub fare. Hot tip: the XPA makes for a superb summer schooner. For the beer nerds, there are a number of guest taps, as well as an in-house special and a staff-pick tap, on regular rotation. [caption id="attachment_660837" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Alana Dimou[/caption] THE DOSS HOUSE The aforementioned Doss House has been a frequent haunt for Sydney whisky lovers. The 1840s sandstone building this renowned whisky bar calls home has, over its time, been a bootmaker's shop, a boarding house, a doctor's surgery and an opium dealer's den — if only these walls could talk, hey? Its latest iteration pays homage to the building's storied past, so if you want to escape for a few hours, this is the spot. The moody basement bar boasts an enormous whisky collection, showcased in American oak cabinets, and dark leather armchairs. However, if it's a nice evening, you'll want to nab a spot in the airy courtyard. Then order yourself a dram or a cocktail if that's more your speed. [caption id="attachment_830607" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anna Kucera[/caption] THE KEEL The brainchild of three mates, The Keel is George Street new drinking den. But what sets it apart from other watering holes is its philanthropic foundations; it promises to donate 20 percent of its profits back to the community and charitable. The sophisticated fit-out has a nautical-inspired theme — think hardwood timbers and cosy booths that are ideal for small groups. There's also a balcony area overlooking Sydney Harbour and Circular Quay that's great for a sunny afternoon bev. Unsurprisingly, rum is the hero here, and you can expect many idiosyncratic cocktails to be shaken and stirred behind the bar. This is a hot new ticket where you can raise a glass for a good cause. MRS JONES Named in honour of Jane Jones, the licensee of the well-loved The Orient Hotel back in 1897, Mrs Jones is a modern nod to the pub's lively history. Many of us know The Orient as a solid, dependable spot for a few pints of perfectly poured Guinness, but this smart, openair cocktail terrace adds an element of sophistication to the stalwart. Overlooking the pub's interior courtyard, Mrs Jones offers a mixture of high and low chairs and is decked out with lush plants. It's the ideal spot to sip a cold one or cocktail on a warm springtime evening. [caption id="attachment_830609" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anna Kucera[/caption] CHATEAU TANUNDA While the Barossa is a touch far to travel for a single night out, you can get a taste of its world-class wines right in the heart of Sydney. Renowned Barossa Valley vineyard Chateau Tanunda winery has opened a wine enthusiast's dream in The Rocks, set inside a stunning 1860s heritage building. The vibe is concept bar meets cellar door, while everything you sip is a celebration of the world-famous wine region. The space offers private tasting sessions, where you and a small group can sample wines from vines that are up to 150 years old guided by the experienced hand of fine wine specialist Justin Lambert. You can even book in for private event for up to 18 people — so if you have lots of wine lovers in your life, this is sure to impress. THE ARGYLE A mainstay of Sydney's nightlife scene since 2007, The Argyle has outlasted lockout laws and lockdowns for good reason — it's smack-bang in the middle of the city, and it has something for everyone. The venue is as multifaceted as they come: it's home to six separate bars, sprawling cobblestoned courtyard and a nightclub, all spread across two floors of a former post office on the historic street from which it takes its name. On the menu, you'll find a great range of classic and signature cocktails, wines and tap beers. House-made pizzas are also available to line your stomach as you set yourself up in the crowning jewel of casual drinking and dining in The Rocks. Keen to know what else is going on in The Rocks this spring? Sign up to The Rocks' mailing list to find out about upcoming events, venue openings and more. Top image: Anna Kucera
It's been a long time coming, but the Sydney Fish Market is now officially open, marking what's been described as Sydney Harbour's most significant development since Utzon put the finishing touches on the Opera House back in 1973. Reimagined not far from its previous home, the market's new site at Blackwattle Bay instantly makes it one of the world's largest working fish markets, bringing together seafood trade, public retail and attention-grabbing dining destinations under one spectacular roof. While the landmark development was initially planned to open in late 2024, construction delays and complex negotiations with traders pushed the opening back by more than a year. However, the $836-million project has finally swung open its doors, with over 40,000 visitors heading along to explore the new digs on launch day. Spanning 26,000 square metres, Sydney Fish Market now features 42 retailers and 19 seafood wholesalers, serving a world-class catch from within a state-of-the-art building. Designed by 3XN GXN Architects, in association with BVN Architecture and ASPECT Studios, the new market is not your everyday trading post. Centred around a modern waterfront building, the expansive development also includes inviting public spaces alongside purpose-built facilities for industry operators and the broader public. Now complete, the Sydney Fish Market is expected to welcome 6 million annual visitors, double its previous numbers. "Whether you're a foodie, fisher or architecture enthusiast, Sydney Fish Market has something for everyone, from fresh seafood to takeaway fish and chips, to fine dining overlooking the Western Harbour and opens up fantastic new public spaces for the community to relax and enjoy," says Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully. Several exciting restaurant openings will soon prove a big draw, with renowned Malaysian chef Junda Khoo's Tam Jiak and Luke Nguyen's new flagship Southeast Asian restaurant, Lua, to be revealed in early 2026. Meanwhile, Hamsi Taverna serves Turkish charcoal dishes, Le Dea Pizza offers Italian delights, and Cow & The Moon has the sweetest gelato for summer. On the seafood front, swing by Get Sashimi to encounter a sushi train or head to TJ's Po' Boys for jam-packed lobster rolls. "Our vision is to create a destination people will return to again and again, not just to buy seafood, but to experience it," says Sydney Fish Market CEO, Daniel Jarosch. "From watching live auctions, oyster shucking at Sydney Seafood School to tasting your way through its multitude of cuisines, we expect it to become a must-visit destination for locals and tourists both throughout Australia and around the globe." Sydney Fish Market is now open from 7am–10pm on Sunday–Thursday and 7am–midnight on Friday–Saturday at 1 Bridge Road, Glebe. Head to the website for more information.
Good news hasn't been easy to find in Sydney of late. Being in lockdown to combat the COVID-19 pandemic — and having those stay-at-home conditions expanded, extended and tightened as case numbers rise — will do that. But one infectiously adorable bundle of joy has just entered the world, and it's the heartwarmingly cute kind of sight that we all definitely need right now. If you're reading this from elsewhere in the country, trust us — you need this, too. Taronga Zoo has announced the arrival of a southern hairy-nosed wombat joey that was born in October last year. Yes, that's more than a few months back now, but the as-yet-unnamed baby critter has only just started to emerge from her mother's pouch in recent weeks — so she's still big news. The joey was born to experienced mum Jetta. Wombat joeys are the size of a jellybean when they first enter the world, and then they remain in their mother's pouch for between seven and nine months as they grow. "The little joey has just reached the size where she no longer fits in the Jetta's pouch; we have seen her try to get back into the pouch a couple of times, but Jetta just won't allow it — she is just too big!" advises keeper Rebecca Russell-Cook. "At the moment the joey is out and about quite regularly exploring both the burrow and outside areas, on her own as well as with mum and sister Wanyi," she continued. "In the next few weeks, the joey will become even more active — so once Taronga starts welcoming guests back, they will definitely get the chance to spot the little joey at Taronga's wombat burrow at our Backyard to Bush precinct." That's enough words about this loveable little critter, because we all know that you're here to get a glimpse — and Taronga Zoo has helpfully released a video that shows the joey just doing super-cute joey things. Check it out below: [video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="https://cdn.concreteplayground.com/content/uploads/2021/07/Taronga-zoo-ES-edit-09072021-78.mp4"][/video] If you're after further information, you can also watch keeper Rebecca Russell-Cook chat about the joey — if you can hear her above all the "awwwwwwwwwws" you'll be exclaiming, that is. [video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="https://cdn.concreteplayground.com/content/uploads/2021/07/Wombat-Joey_VNR_P2C.mp4"][/video] Taronga Zoo is currently closed during Sydney's lockdown, but you can check out more videos of its cute animals via its online Taronga TV channel.
